August 4, 2024

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. —  It is with great sadness that Empresas Hamra, a nationwide, family-owned restaurant operator headquartered in Springfield, Mo., announces the passing of its founder and chairman Sam Hamra, who died Friday, Aug. 2, at his home. He was 92.

Hamra began practicing law in Springfield in 1959 and, in 1975, opened his first Wendy’s restaurant on Sunshine Street in Springfield — among the first Wendy’s franchises in the country. Hamra Enterprises grew to own and operate nearly 100 Wendy’s restaurants nationwide, with nearly 200 locations in total, with additional brands that now include Panera Bread, Noodles & Co., and Caribou Coffee. The company now employs 7,400 team members in 11 states. In 2011, Hamra passed the role of CEO to his son, Mike Hamra, who released the following statement:

“I am sad to share the passing of my Dad, Sam F. Hamra. I was so grateful to have him as my father. He loved his family deeply and cherished and appreciated any time he could spend enjoying life with them.

“He loved Southwest Missouri and worked to contribute back to the Springfield area, which he and my mom have called home for over 65 years.

“We will all miss him dearly but are grateful for the special and loving relationship of 67 years he had with our mother and that they were blessed with four children and ten grandchildren.”

Sam F Hamra’s obituary

Visitation will be held from 3 – 6 pm on Friday, August 9, at Second Baptist Church, 3111 E. Battlefield Road, Springfield, Missouri. Services under the direction of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home are scheduled at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 10, at Second Baptist Church. The burial will be in Hazelwood Cemetery.

About Hamra Enterprises

Hamra Enterprises is a dynamic organization owned and founded in 1975 by the Hamra family with its headquarters in Springfield, Missouri, and includes four restaurant brands with more than 7,400 employees in 11 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, Mississippi, New Hampshire, and Tennessee. Hamra Enterprises is committed to providing the highest quality products and services within the hospitality industry, creating exceptional experiences for people and communities by engaging each of its restaurant neighborhoods through community service, fundraising, and other philanthropic partnerships. For more information, visit hamraenterprises.com.