Fred Harvey (1835–1901) was a British-born American entrepreneur who transformed the hospitality and food service industry in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in London, England, he emigrated to the U.S. in the 1850s, where he initially worked as a dishwasher and clerk, gaining experience in the restaurant and service industries. In the 1870s, Harvey partnered with the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway (ATSF) to create a network of restaurants and hotels along the railway lines. Recognizing the need for reliable, high-quality dining options for long-distance travelers, he opened the first Harvey House restaurant in Topeka, Kansas, in 1876.

Filter