Sam Hamra, founder of the 200-plus-unit fast-food franchisee Hamra Enterprises, has died at age 92.
The cause of his death was not revealed.
Hamra Enterprises is one of the nation’s largest operators of franchised restaurants. About 100 of the Springfield, Missouri-based company’s holdings are units of Wendy’s, with the remainder flying the flags of Panera Bread, Noodles & Co. and Caribou Coffee. The portfolio extends across 11 states.
Hamra’s son Mike has been CEO of the company since 2011.
The elder Hamra was a lawyer by training. He opened his first Wendy’s in 1975 after practicing law in the Springfield area for 16 years. Hamra lived in the city for 65 years.
“I was so grateful to have him as my father” Mike Hamra said in a statement. “He loved his family deeply and cherished and appreciated any time that he could spend in enjoying life with them.
“We will all miss him dearly.”
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a Restaurant Business member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.