Wally Amos, founder of beloved cookie brand Famous Amos, dies at 88
Wally Amos, the founder of the celebrated cookie brand Famous Amos, has passed away at the age of 88.
According to Amos's children, Shawn and Sarah Amos, the cookie tycoon died at his home in Honolulu, Hawaii, on Tuesday after struggling with dementia-related complications.
After turning a mere $25,000 loan into the Famous Amos Cookies company, Wally became a ubiquitous name in the food business.
Armed with special recipes from his aunt, Amos rose to the top of the cookie world, creating treats that used real ingredients in lieu of chemicals and artificial coloring.
Wally Amos, the founder of the celebrated cookie brand Famous Amos, has passed away at the age of 88
After turning a mere $25,000 loan into the Famous Amos Cookies company, Wally became a ubiquitous name in the food business
Armed with special recipes from his aunt, Amos rose to the top of the cookie world
The entrepreneur started modestly. He opened a single store in Los Angeles, before later expanding and offering customers a line of packaged products.
As the years went by, Wally's empire grew and his cookies gained greater favor with consumers.
Now they are widely available in grocery stores, as well as in vending machines.
A savvy businessman at heart, Amos made sure to stay in the spotlight and become the face of the brand.
The entrepreneur started modestly. He opened a single store in Los Angeles
As the years went by, Wally's empire grew and his cookies gained greater favor with consumers
The cookie entrepreneur didn't retire from the spotlight after parting with his stake in Famous Amos
He often travelled extensively to gin up interest in his special cookies.
But Amos struggled to stay abreast of the company's tremendous success.
In 1988, he decided to part with his share of the business, selling it to the Shansby Group for a cool $3 million.
The cookie entrepreneur didn't retire from the spotlight, though. Instead, he made guest appearances on hit shows like 'The Office,' 'Taxi,' 'The Jeffersons,' and 'Shark Tank.'
Wally Amos remained a recognizable face and a beloved name
Wally Amos remained a recognizable face and a beloved name.
The entrepreneur was 88 years old.
