Carol Ann McLeroy is a businesswoman and philanthropist who is best known as the co-owner of Zaxby’s, a popular fast food chain that specializes in chicken dishes. She is married to Zach McLeroy, the founder and CEO of Zaxby’s, and together they have built a multi-billion dollar empire with over 900 locations across the United States.
How Carol Ann McLeroy Met Zach McLeroy
Carol Ann McLeroy was born on June 15, 1968, in Atlanta, Georgia. She attended the University of Georgia, where she met Zach McLeroy, who was studying music at the time. They fell in love and got married in 1992, shortly after Zach opened the first Zaxby’s restaurant in Statesboro, Georgia, with his childhood friend Tony Townley.
How Carol Ann McLeroy Helped Zaxby’s Grow
Carol Ann McLeroy joined Zaxby’s as a co-owner and helped Zach with the management and expansion of the business. She was instrumental in developing the brand identity, the menu, the marketing strategy, and the franchise model of Zaxby’s. She also oversaw the operations, the quality control, and the customer service of the restaurants.
Carol Ann McLeroy’s vision and leadership helped Zaxby’s grow from a single location to a national chain with a loyal fan base. She also helped Zaxby’s win several awards and recognitions, such as the Best Chicken Chain by Restaurant Business Magazine, the Top 10 Growth Chain by Nation’s Restaurant News, and the Top 150 Franchise by Entrepreneur Magazine.
How Carol Ann McLeroy Gives Back to the Community
Carol Ann McLeroy is not only a successful entrepreneur, but also a generous philanthropist. She and Zach have donated millions of dollars to various causes and organizations, such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the American Cancer Society, the Boys and Girls Club, and the University of Georgia. They have also established the Zaxby’s Heart of the House Foundation, which supports the education, health, and well-being of Zaxby’s employees and their families.
Carol Ann McLeroy is also a devoted mother and a role model for women in business. She has a son named Parker Lipman, who is a reality TV star on MTV’s Buckhead Shore. She also has a step-son named John Wes Townley, who was a former NASCAR driver and the son of Tony Townley. Sadly, John Wes Townley passed away in 2021 in a tragic shooting incident.
Carol Ann McLeroy is a remarkable woman who has made a positive impact on the lives of many people. She is the woman behind Zaxby’s success, and she continues to inspire others with her passion, dedication, and generosity.