History of Famous Amos in Timeline

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Famous Amos

"Famous Amos" is a cookie brand established in 1975 in Los Angeles, California. The founder, Wally Amos, transitioned from being a talent agent at William Morris Agency to a successful entrepreneur in the food industry.

July 1, 1936: Birth of Wally Amos

Wallace "Wally" Amos was born in Tallahassee, Florida on July 1, 1936.

1948: Move to New York and Early Baking Experiences

In 1948, Wally Amos moved to New York City to live with his aunt, where he discovered his passion for baking cookies.

March 10, 1975: First Famous Amos Store Opens

On March 10, 1975, Wally Amos opened the first Famous Amos cookie store on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, with financial backing from singers Marvin Gaye and Helen Reddy.

1975: Famous Amos Cookie Company Founded

In 1975, Wally Amos, a former talent agent, established the Famous Amos cookie brand in Los Angeles.

1982: Famous Amos Reaches Peak Revenue

By 1982, Famous Amos had experienced significant growth, achieving $12 million in revenue.

1984: Decline of Famous Amos Begins

By 1984, Famous Amos started experiencing a decline in sales, leading Wally Amos to sell portions of the company.

August 1985: Sale of Majority Share and Expansion Attempt

In August 1985, Bass Brothers sold a majority stake in Famous Amos to an investor group that planned a major expansion.

1988: Acquisition by the Shansby Group

In 1988, after experiencing financial losses, Famous Amos was purchased by the Shansby Group for $3 million.

1992: Acquisition by President Baking Company

In 1992, President Baking Company acquired the Famous Amos brand from the Shansby Group.

1998: Keebler Acquires President Baking Company

In 1998, Keebler purchased President Baking Company, which included the Famous Amos brand.

2001: Kellogg's Acquisition of Keebler

Kellogg Company acquired Keebler in 2001, gaining ownership of the Famous Amos brand.

July 29, 2019: Ferrero's Acquisition of Keebler and Famous Amos

On July 29, 2019, Kellogg Company finalized the sale of Keebler cookies, including Famous Amos, to Ferrero SpA, the maker of Nutella.

August 15, 2024: Death of Wally Amos

Wally Amos passed away on August 15, 2024.