Carol McLeroy is one of the richest women in America, thanks to her ownership stake in Zaxby’s, the popular fast food chain that specializes in chicken fingers and wings. According to Forbes, Carol McLeroy’s net worth is estimated at $30.4 billion, making her the 15th richest person in the country and the richest newcomer on The Forbes 400 list of 2021.
From Humble Beginnings to Chicken Empire
Carol McLeroy was born in Georgia and grew up in a modest family. She met her husband, Zach McLeroy, when they were both working at a McDonald’s in the 1980s. Zach had a passion for cooking and a dream of opening his own restaurant. In 1990, he and his childhood friend Tony Townley founded Zaxby’s, a fast casual restaurant that offered fresh chicken dishes with a variety of sauces.
The first Zaxby’s location was in Statesboro, Georgia, near the campus of Georgia Southern University. The concept was an instant hit with the students and locals, and soon the founders began franchising the brand to other entrepreneurs. Today, there are more than 900 Zaxby’s locations across 17 states, mostly in the Southeast. The chain is known for its loyal fan base, its catchy slogans, and its celebrity endorsements from the likes of Shaquille O’Neal, Peyton Manning, and Luke Bryan.
Carol McLeroy has been instrumental in the success of Zaxby’s, overseeing the operations, marketing, and human resources of the company. She is also involved in the philanthropic efforts of the Zaxby’s Foundation, which supports various causes such as education, health, and hunger relief. Carol and Zach have three children, Parker, Zachary, and Caroline, who are also involved in the family business.
A Billionaire Widow and a Political Donor
Carol McLeroy became a billionaire widow in January 2021, when her husband Zach passed away at the age of 60 after a long battle with cancer. Zach had been the CEO and chairman of Zaxby’s until his death, and Carol inherited his 50% stake in the company. The other 50% is owned by Townley, who remains the president of Zaxby’s.
Carol McLeroy is also a prominent political donor, especially to the Republican Party and its candidates. She and her late husband were among the biggest backers of former President Donald Trump, contributing more than $200 million to his campaign and related committees in the 2020 election cycle. They also supported other conservative causes and organizations, such as the Heritage Foundation, the Federalist Society, and the American Enterprise Institute.
Carol McLeroy is a private person who rarely gives interviews or makes public appearances. She lives in a lavish mansion in Suwanee, Georgia, with her family and enjoys traveling, golfing, and boating. She is also a devout Christian and a member of the North Point Community Church. She has said that her faith and her family are the most important things in her life.
Conclusion
Carol McLeroy is one of the most successful and influential women in the fast food industry, as well as one of the wealthiest people in the world. She has built a chicken empire with her husband from scratch, and has used her fortune to support her political and philanthropic interests. She is an example of how hard work, dedication, and vision can lead to extraordinary achievements.
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