Wimpy is a fast-food casual dining chain that was founded in the United States. It found its success internationally, mainly in the United Kingdom and South Africa, and has changed between being a table-service establishment and counter-service establishment throughout its history.
The chain was founded in Bloomington, Indiana , by Edward Gold in as Wimpy Grills , with the chain in the United States hitting its peak with 26 locations in In , Gold signed a license with J. Lyons and Co. By , there were only seven Wimpy locations in the United States, which all folded following Gold's death in that year. Despite the brand's demise domestically, the chain would peak at 1, international locations the following year.
The company was sold to United Biscuits in , and then to Grand Metropolitan in Grand Metropolitan began to phase out the Wimpy Bar in the United Kingdom, rebranding many of them as Burger King which it also owned because Burger King had the greater brand recognition amongst consumers, and to aid market competition against McDonald's.
Following various buyouts, Wimpy was sold to Famous Brands in Famous Brands had operated the South African Wimpy franchise for a number of years, and the acquisition made it the parent company.
As of June , the company remains headquartered in Johannesburg , South Africa, where it has outlets; [ 4 ] this is followed by the United Kingdom with 62 outlets.
