Verne Winchell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Verne Winchell
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| Born | October 30, 1915 Bloomington, Illinois, United States
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| Died | November 26, 2002 (age 87) Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
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| Education | Pasadena City College |
| Occupation | Businessman Racehorse owner/breeder |
| Known for | Founder of Winchell's Donuts |
| Spouse(s) | Joan |
| Children | 4 |
Verne Hedges Winchell (born October 30, 1915 – died November 26, 2002) was a famous American businessman. He started the popular donut shop chain called Winchell's Donuts. He also led the Denny's restaurant chain as its chairman and CEO.
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Early Life of Verne Winchell
Verne Winchell was born in Bloomington, Illinois, on October 30, 1915. When he was nine years old, his family moved to California. Verne finished high school at Alhambra High School. Later, he studied business at Pasadena City College, which helped him decide to have a career in business.
Verne Winchell's Business Career
In 1948, Verne Winchell opened his very first doughnut shop. It was located in Temple City, California. People soon started calling him "The Donut King" because his shops were so popular.
In 1967, Winchell's Donuts joined with Denny's Incorporated. Verne Winchell then became a top leader at Denny's. He served as the chairman, president, and chief executive officer until 1980.
Thoroughbred Horse Breeding
Verne Winchell was also very successful with horses. He owned and bred thoroughbred racehorses. Today, his son, Ron Winchell, continues this family tradition. He runs a racing stable and breeding farm called Winchell Thoroughbreds. It is located near Lexington, Kentucky.
The Winchell family owned a famous horse named Gun Runner. This horse was named the 2017 American Horse of the Year. The Winchells have won many other big races too. They won the 2014 Kentucky Oaks and Breeders' Cup Distaff with their horse Untapable. She was named the US Champion Three-Year-Old Filly. They also won the 2012 Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile with Tapizar and the 2005 Kentucky Oaks with Summerly.
Verne Winchell's Death
Verne Winchell passed away on November 26, 2002. He was 87 years old. He died from a cardiac arrest (a sudden heart problem) at Summerlin Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada. Verne had lived in Las Vegas for 30 years before his death.
Verne Winchell's Legacy
Verne Winchell's son, Ron Winchell, started a new chain of restaurants. They are called "Winchell's Pub and Grill" and are located in the Las Vegas area. The first restaurant opened in 2000. Ron opened two more restaurants in 2003. One was in south Las Vegas and another in North Las Vegas. In 2008, he opened another restaurant in North Las Vegas.
In 2019, Ron Winchell and his partner Marc Falcone bought Kentucky Downs. This is a horse racing track. They bought it through their company, Kentucky Racing Association.
