In Remembrance of Fast Food Pioneer John Galardi 1938 – 2013
John Galardi
Irvine,
CA (RestaurantNews.com)
John Galardi, 75, founder and chairman of Galardi Group, parent company of Wienerschnitzel, The Original Hamburger Stand
and Tastee Freez,
passed away of pancreatic cancer on Saturday, April 13.
John
Galardi began as an eager entrepreneur determined to make it in the world of
fast food. Over the past 52 years, Galardi has guided Wienerschnitzel from a
single hot dog stand in 1961 to what is now the world’s largest hot dog chain;
owning or operating 350 locations and selling more than 120 million hot dogs
annually.
Born
and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, Galardi moved to Southern California when
he was 19-years-old and entered the restaurant business working for Taco Bell
founder Glen Bell, at Taco Tia in Pasadena, Calif. While hamburgers,
chicken and tacos were in fierce competition, Galardi carved out his own niche
with hot dogs and chili when he opened his first “Der Wienerschnitzel”
restaurant at the age of twenty-three. A true entrepreneur, he expanded Galardi
Group into a multi-branded company with the additions of The Original Hamburger
Stand and Tastee Freez. Without a doubt, Galardi is best known for his
world-famous, secret-recipe chili that has kept fans coming back for more since
day one.
While
he continued to serve as chairman of Galardi Group, Galardi had stepped away
from the day-to-day management of the company, which is handled by Dennis Tase,
who serves as COO. Tase was hired as Director of Marketing in 1981 and named
president & COO in 1993.
“The entire Galardi Group family of employees
and franchisees are deeply saddened by the loss of Wienerschnitzel founder,
John Galardi. A true pioneer in the restaurant industry, Galardi’s
entrepreneurial spirit was the cornerstone of the company’s success. Along with
founding Wienerschnitzel, he expanded the Galardi Group into a multi-branded
company with the additions of The Original Hamburger Stand and Tastee Freez.
Since it all began in 1961, he has touched countless lives through his
generosity as a business leader and his legacy will forever live on,” said
Dennis Tase, COO of Irvine-based Galardi Group. “Galardi built a brand representative
of a time when life was simpler, a brand that holds a special place in the
hearts of so many families in America. He will be deeply missed.”
John
Galardi is survived by his wife, Judane, and his four children. A service to
celebrate his life is planned.
My first job out of College was as a self-employed Licensee
of Der Winerschnitzel from there I became a franchisee. I still enjoy a Galardi
Dog a Chili-cheese with Mustard and Onion. Hands on experience is a clue to
success.
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