Wendy’s is a fast-food company that is the third-largest hamburger chain in the United States, behind McDonald’s and Burger King. Dave Thomas founded the first Wendy’s restaurant in Columbus, Ohio, in 1969. One of fast food’s most famous logos, Wendy’s cartoon image of a smiling redheaded girl, was based on the appearance of Thomas’s daughter, who also inspired the company’s name. Signature items offered by Wendy’s included square-shaped hamburger patties; the Frosty, a frozen dessert available in both chocolate and (from 2006) vanilla flavors; and atypical burger-joint side dishes such as baked potatoes and chili.