Jhonny Mercado

Jhonny Mercado, a Venezuelan entrepreneur, began his U.S. journey in 2007 by acquiring five Wendy’s locations in Florida. He quickly expanded, becoming a multi-brand franchisee with Wendy’s and Corner Bakery. By 2013, he was operating 77 Wendy’s and five Corner Bakery cafes across the U.S. In 2023, he acquired 20 Taco Bells, bringing his total to 89 Wendy’s and 20 Taco Bells in five states, along with 20 Wendy’s in Panama and four Japan Inn restaurants in Miami, totaling 129 restaurants.
Beyond business, Mercado is a dedicated philanthropist, supporting causes like the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. He joined the Board of Trustees for the Dave Thomas Foundation in 2020 and became part of the Baptist Hospital Foundation in 2022. He continues to honor the legacy of giving back.