John N. Galardi (March 4, 1938 – April 13, 2013) was an American businessman and the founder of Wienerschnitzel.
Early life[]
Galardi was born John N. Galardi in Kansas City, Missouri on March 4, 1938. He grew up in a small-town atmosphere "playing basketball, chasing girls, and working."
Career[]
In 1961, Galardi opened the first Wienerschnitzel at the age of 23. Over the past 52 years, Galardi has guided Wienerschnitzel from a single location to the world's largest hot dog chain, operating 350 locations and selling more than 120 million hot dogs annually. The company recently celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2011. Growing up in Kansas City, Missouri, Galardi came from humble beginnings. At 19, he moved to Southern California with his parents and brother and landed his first job working for Glen Bell, Jr. at his Taco Tia restaurant (later to become Taco Bell) in Pasadena, California.
After gaining a few years of quick service restaurant experience, Galardi's entrepreneurial spirit took hold. While chicken, tacos, and hamburgers were in fierce competition, Galardi carved out his own niche when he opened the first Der Wienerschnitzel in 1961 in Wilmington, California. Along with a bargain hot dog, he was also best known for his world-famous, secret-recipe chili.
He expanded Galardi Group into a multi-branded company with the launch of the Original Hamburger Stand concept in 1983, the acquisition of the popular soft-serve brand TasteeFreez in 2003, and the new fast-casual Mexican concept, Two Madres, scheduled to launch in summer 2013. The consummate entrepreneur, Galardi dabbled in everything from bakeries and Japanese restaurants to photo developing and physical therapy facilities.
In founding Wienerschnitzel, 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 across the United States.
Personal life[]
Galardi was married to Cynthia Galardi-Culpepper, who previously was a silent partner.
Death[]
On April 13, 2013, Galardi died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 75. Following his death, his wife assumed the role as CEO and chairwoman.