Make your next book club selection about life lessons from Dave Thomas, Founder of Wendy’s and Champion of Adoption.

Dave Thomas in a Wendy's restaurant

CALL ME DAVE

Call Me Dave: Behind the Counter with Dave Thomas, Founder of Wendy’s, by Denny Lynch, offers something rare: a deeply human portrait of Dave Thomas, the man behind Wendy’s, and the life lessons that shaped his values, leadership, and lifelong commitment to adoption.

This is a book that sparks conversation — about purpose, humility, resilience, and the quiet moments that define who we become.

If your book club enjoys stories that stay with you long after the final page, Call Me Dave is a powerful choice.

Written by former Wendy’s SVP of Communications Denny Lynch, the book brings readers inside the personal life of Dave Thomas — not as a brand icon, but as a man shaped by adoption, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility to others.

Through intimate stories and thoughtful lessons, Call Me Dave opens the door to meaningful discussion around:

  • What truly defines success

  • How early experiences shape our values

  • Leadership rooted in empathy

  • The lifelong impact of adoption and belonging

It’s reflective, inspiring, and ideal for book clubs looking to explore purpose, humanity, and shared values.

Dave Thomas wearing white shirt, red tie and blue apron