Verne Hedges Winchell (October 30, 1915 – November 26, 2002) was the founder of Winchell's Donuts and also served as a chairman, president and chief executive officer of the Denny's restaurant chain.
Early life
Winchell was born on October 30, 1915 in Bloomington, Illinois. At the age of 9, Winchell and his family moved to California. Winchell graduated from Alhambra High School and later took business courses at Pasadena City College, where he decided on a business career.
Career
In 1948 he opened his first doughnut shop in Temple City, California and earned the nickname "The Donut King".
Death
Winchell died of a cardiac arrest in Las Vegas, Nevada on November 26, 2002 at the age of 87, at Summerlin Hospital. Winchell had been a resident of Las Vegas for 30 years.