Verne Winchell | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 30, 1915 Bloomington, Illinois, United States |
| Died | November 26, 2002 (age 87) Las Vegas, Nevada, United States |
| Education | Pasadena City College |
| Occupation(s) | Businessman Racehorse owner/breeder |
| Known for | Founder of Winchell's Donuts |
| Spouse | Joan |
| Children | 4 |
Verne Hedges Winchell (October 30, 1915 – November 26, 2002) was the founder ofWinchell's Donuts and also served as a chairman, president, and chief executive officer of theDenny's restaurant chain.
Winchell was born on October 30, 1915, inBloomington, Illinois. At the age of 9, Winchell and his family moved to California. Winchell graduated fromAlhambra High School and later took business courses atPasadena City College, where he decided on a business career.[1]
In 1948 he opened his firstdoughnut shop inTemple City, California and earned the nickname "The Donut King".[1] Winchell's Donuts merged withDenny's Incorporated in 1967.[1] Winchell served as chairman of the board, president, and chief executive officer of Denny's until 1980.[1]
Winchell was also a successfulhorse breeder and owner.[1] Today his son, Ron Winchell oversees racing stable and breeding operation known asWinchell Thoroughbreds which is located at Corinthia Farm nearLexington, Kentucky. The Winchells were co-owners of 2017American Horse of the YearGun Runner. The Winchells won the 2014Kentucky Oaks andBreeders' Cup Distaff with their homebredUS Champion Three-Year-Old FillyUntapable, the 2012Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile with Tapizar, and 2005Kentucky Oaks with Summerly.[2]
Winchell died of acardiac arrest inLas Vegas, Nevada, on November 26, 2002, at the age of 87,[1][3] atSummerlin Hospital. Winchell had been a resident of Las Vegas for 30 years.[1]
Ron Winchell, Verne Winchell's son, began a chain of restaurants in the Las Vegas area named "Winchell's Pub and Grill". The first restaurant opened in south Las Vegas in 2000. Ron Winchell later expanded the chain by opening two more restaurants in 2003, one in south Las Vegas and one inNorth Las Vegas. On July 18, 2008, Ron Winchell opened another restaurant in North Las Vegas and planned to open two more restaurants within a few months.
In 2019, Ron Winchell partnered with Marc Falcone through their company Kentucky Racing Association and purchasedKentucky Downs.[2]