The Wayback Machine - https://web.archive.org/web/20080509122138/http://www.wimpy.uk.com/moments.htm
 

MOMENTS THAT WE’VE ENJOYED IN HISTORY

IT'S ALL IN THE NAME

The name Wimpy is believed to have come from Popeye’s friend J Wellington Wimpy who loved hamburgers as much as Popeye loved spinach.

1954

The first ‘Wimpy Bar’ opened at the Lyon’s Corner House in Coventry Street London.
The bar was originally a specialist fast food section within the more traditional corner house restaurant.
The popularity soon led to the establishment of separate Wimpy restaurants serving only hamburgers based meals.

1967 - WIMPY HIT DURBS FIRST

The enjoyment started in Durban where South Africans could get their very first taste of a Wimpy burger in Murchie’s Passage.

1970

The business had expanded to over 1,000 restaurants in 23 countries.

1977

The business was acquired by United Biscuits and 'counter service' restaurants began to open in response to the opening of McDonalds.
Bakers SA Ltd bought the South African part of the company. The Wimpy empire had been split up - for now.

1985

Wimpy was the first burger chain to offer a vegetable burger – The original and still the best Spicy Beanburger.

1989

The business was sold to Grand Metropolitan and they began to convert the counter service units to Burger Kings.

1990

The traditional Table Service units were acquired through a management buy out backed by 3i.

1997

The First chain to offer a QuornŽ based product on it’s menus.

1998

Wimpy became the first company to win the coveted Franchisor and Franchisee of the year awards in the same year.

2004

50 years of Wimpy excellence

2007

Wimpy was purchased by Famous Brands of South Africa. After a long split Wimpy is now realigned across the miles

 

 
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