History of Wienerschnitzel in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 30, 2025

Wienerschnitzel is an American fast food chain founded in 1961 by John Galardi, known primarily for hot dogs. Initially named Der Wienerschnitzel, it mainly operates in California and Texas, with additional locations across several other U.S. states and Guam. They briefly sold actual Wiener schnitzel as a promotion, despite it not being a regular menu item. Wienerschnitzel also has locations outside of the United States, including stores in Ecuador.

1961: Wienerschnitzel Founded

In 1961, Wienerschnitzel was founded by John Galardi, a former Taco Bell employee. The brand was originally named Der Wienerschnitzel.

1961: First Wienerschnitzel Location Opens

In 1961, the first Wienerschnitzel location opened as a hot-dog stand at 900 West Pacific Coast Highway in Wilmington, Los Angeles.

1962: Glen Bell Establishes Taco Bell

In 1962, Glen Bell, who had previously employed John Galardi, established Taco Bell.

1970: The Galardi Group Formed

In 1970, The Galardi Group, the parent company of Wienerschnitzel, Tastee-Freez, and Original Hamburger Stand, was formed by John Galardi.

1977: Name Shortened to Wienerschnitzel

In 1977, the chain dropped "Der" from its name, shortening it to Wienerschnitzel.

1978: Wienerschnitzel Logo Created by Saul Bass

In 1978, the current Wienerschnitzel logo was created by Saul Bass.

1979: Hamburgers Added to Menu

In 1979, Wienerschnitzel attempted to expand its menus by adding hamburgers.

1981: "Wienerschnitzel" Song Release

In 1981, The Descendents released their song "Wienerschnitzel" on their Fat EP. The song is a satirical skit about ordering a meal from the restaurant.

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1983: The Original Hamburger Stand and Weldon's Gourmet Hamburgers Chains Established

In 1983, Wienerschnitzel established two chains, The Original Hamburger Stand and Weldon's Gourmet Hamburgers.

1996: German Spelling Reform

In 1996, the spelling reform affected the word das Wienerschnitzel, along with other German words like Jägerschnitzel and Zigeunerschnitzel, which were previously spelled as one word.

2003: The Galardi Group Becomes a Tastee-Freez Franchisee

By 2003, The Galardi Group became a franchisee of Tastee-Freez and made its products available in Wienerschnitzel and Original Hamburger Stand locations.