Wally Amos, the charismatic entrepreneur who built a cookie empire with his Famous Amos brand, died Tuesday at his home in Honolulu. He was 88.
Amos died of complications from dementia, his children Shawn and Sarah Amos told The New York Times. The entrepreneur, born in Florida in 1936, founded Famous Amos.
The cookie business, which relied on his aunt’s recipe, launched in 1975 with a single storefront in Los Angeles, California, before quickly expanding into a nationwide brand. By 1981, Famous Amos was a $12 million company, the Times reports.
A pioneer in the gourmet cookie industry, Amos was more than just a businessman. His infectious laugh and love for life were as legendary as his cookies. Famous Amos became synonymous with indulgence and joy, and his death marks the end of an era for countless cookie lovers who grew up with the familiar red, white, and blue packaging.
Before baking became his passion, Amos worked as a talent agent, representing iconic artists. But it was his aunt’s chocolate chip cookie recipe that would change his life. With a $25,000 loan from friends, he opened the first Famous Amos store in Los Angeles. His cookies, with their signature oversized chips and rich flavor, quickly became a sensation.
Despite initial success, the business landscape evolved. Facing increasing competition and financial challenges, Amos made the difficult decision to sell a controlling interest in Famous Amos in the 1980s. Eventually, he parted ways with the company entirely.
Beyond his business ventures, Amos was a philanthropist and a strong advocate for literacy. He founded the Chip & Cookie Read Aloud Foundation to promote reading among children.
Amos is survived by his wife, Christine, and their four children. His legacy as a visionary entrepreneur and a beloved figure will continue to inspire generations to come.
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