Carol McLeroy is not a household name, but she is one of the most successful women entrepreneurs in the southern United States. She is the co-owner of Zaxby’s, a fast food chain that specializes in chicken fingers, wings, and salads. Zaxby’s has more than 900 locations in 18 states, and is valued at over $2 billion, according to Forbes.
The Zaxby’s Story
Carol McLeroy met her husband, Zach McLeroy, in the late 1980s, when they were both working at a McDonald’s in Statesboro, Georgia. Zach had a passion for cooking and a dream of opening his own restaurant. He experimented with different recipes and sauces, and came up with the idea of Zaxby’s, a place where customers could enjoy fresh, made-to-order chicken dishes with a variety of flavors.
In 1990, Zach and Carol opened the first Zaxby’s in Statesboro, with a $16,000 loan from Zach’s father. The name Zaxby’s was a combination of Zach’s name and the word “zesty”. The restaurant was an instant hit, and soon they started franchising the concept to other entrepreneurs. Today, Zaxby’s has grown to be one of the largest privately-owned restaurant chains in the country, with annual sales of over $1.8 billion.
Carol McLeroy’s Role in Zaxby’s Success
Carol McLeroy has been instrumental in Zaxby’s success, as she oversees the operations, marketing, and human resources of the company. She is also involved in the menu development, quality control, and customer service. Carol has a hands-on approach to managing the business, and often visits the restaurants to interact with the staff and the guests. She is known for her warm and friendly personality, and her genuine care for the Zaxby’s family.
Carol McLeroy is also a philanthropist, who supports various causes and organizations in the communities where Zaxby’s operates. She is especially passionate about education, health, and animal welfare. She has donated millions of dollars to schools, hospitals, and animal shelters, as well as sponsored scholarships, sports teams, and events. She is also a board member of the Georgia Restaurant Association, and a mentor to other women entrepreneurs.
Carol McLeroy’s Net Worth and Lifestyle
Carol McLeroy’s net worth is estimated to be more than $500 million, according to some sources. She owns a lavish mansion in Athens, Georgia, where she lives with her husband and their two children, Parker and Taylor. Parker is a reality TV star, who appears on the MTV show Buckhead Shore, which follows the lives of a group of wealthy young adults in Atlanta. Taylor is a student at the University of Georgia, and also helps out at Zaxby’s.
Carol McLeroy enjoys traveling, golfing, and spending time with her family and friends. She is also a fan of country music, and has met some of her favorite singers, such as Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton. She is humble and down-to-earth, despite her wealth and fame, and credits her success to her hard work, faith, and love for Zaxby’s.
Carol McLeroy is an inspiration to many people, especially women, who aspire to achieve their goals and dreams. She is a living proof that with passion, dedication, and perseverance, anything is possible. She is truly one of the richest women in the south, not only in terms of money, but also in terms of happiness and fulfillment.