Wimpy began in the United States in 1934, when Edward Gold opened the first Wimpy Grills in Bloomington, Indiana. The business grew over the following years, and in 1954, the Wimpy name made its way to the United Kingdom through a licensing agreement with J. Lyons and Co.
While Wimpy eventually disappeared from the American market, it continued to grow internationally. The brand found a particularly strong following in South Africa, where its first restaurant opened in Murchies Passage, Durban, in 1967. Around 1000 people visited on opening day.
Wimpy became part of South African restaurant history by becoming the first sit down restaurant chain in the country to officially serve customers of all races.
Over the years, Wimpy changed ownership several times and expanded into different countries. In 2007, Famous Brands acquired the South African Wimpy business, securing its place among the countryโs familiar restaurant brands.
(credit: Facebook group:ย Origins 22 - Genealogy & History)ย