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As the Hardies brand grew, Wilbur joined forces with business partners James Gardner and Leonard RWS to expand the restaurant's reach. This partnership, however, took a surprising turn—according to Wilbur, it ended during a poker game, leading to him selling his shares. This intriguing and somewhat dramatic tale highlights the risks and unpredictabilities of mixing business with leisure.
Despite the circumstances of his exit, Wilbur's vision had already laid the groundwork for an expanding empire. By the early 1960s, Hardies was ultra-popular, boasting nearly 200 locations spanning the Midwest and Southeastern United States, and even making its international debut in West Germany.