Inventors & Innovators: Frank Thomas Jr.

Purdue graduates, faculty and staff continue to develop innovations and breakthroughs that help move the world forward. Purdue Today will highlight these inventors and innovators by featuring them in the Purdue Today newsletter and on social media. Today, we are featuring Frank Thomas Jr.

Thomas graduated from Purdue with a degree in mechanical engineering. He is credited with creating the first patented soft-serve ice cream machine, founding the General Equipment Co. in 1929 to distribute his creations. He also helped develop a grill that would flame-broil beef patties.

Thomas founded the successful Burger Chef fast-food chain in Indianapolis in 1954. At its peak, there were more than 1,000 stores. Thomas sold the business to General Foods in 1968, and Hardee's would later acquire the chain.

 The Inventors & Innovators website contains Purdue alumni from business and industry; technology; medicine and health; and the food and consumer industries.