5 Black Franchise Leaders Making Waves in the Industry

The year 2020 brought racial inequality into focus in the U.S. more than any time since the civil rights movement. With America still striving to fulfill its promise of being a nation of opportunity for all people, businesses have increasingly come to value the importance of Black leadership in business. 

Fortunately for the franchising industry, there are plenty of Black owners, operators and leaders across the board. 1851 Franchise took a quick look at some Black-led franchises. 

Golden Krust

With over 125 locations throughout 10 states and Canada, Golden Krust is one of the largest Jamaican food restaurant chains in North America. The company was founded by Lowell Hawthorne, whose parents, Ephraim and Mavis, came to the U.S. from Jamaica in 1981. The two founded a bakery in the Bronx which grew to several locations throughout the area. Those bakeries gave birth to Golden Krust.

The company was ranked in Black Enterprise’s Top 100 and in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500. Its charitable foundation, The Mavis & Ephraim Golden Krust Foundation, has awarded over 300 scholarships to aspiring students in both the U.S. and Jamaica since its inception in 2005.

Just Turkey

In 2007, Brian and Greg Morton wanted to bring a healthier fast food option to their home on the South Side of Chicago. That led them to found Just Turkey, an all-turkey BBQ restaurant with traditional-style recipes but only bird on the grill. Now with multiple locations in Chicago, Minneapolis, and Los Angeles, Just Turkey is bringing a healthy option to BBQ fans across the country.

Hammer and Nails Salon

Being turned down on Shark Tank was no obstacle for Hammer and Nails Salon founder Mike Elliott. A screenwriter, Elliott opened his first male salon in Los Angeles in 2013 and turned such a large profit that he quickly expanded. Now with locations throughout California, Texas, Ohio, and Virginia, Hammer and Nails is establishing its name as one of the top club-style grooming shops.

Go-Go Party Bus

While Go-Go Party Bus is based out of Atlanta, they’ll bring the party anywhere you’re looking to go. Founder Lenesia Cooper now operates a fleet of six party busses since opening the first location in 2009. Buses are equipped with televisions, a wet bar, karaoke machines, and can accommodate up to 30 people. Cooper just opened her second franchise in Charlotte, NC and is actively looking for more entrepreneurs to franchise in other locations.

Juices For Life

With two locations in the Bronx, one in Yonkers, and more on the way, this smoothie and juice bar chain was founded by David Styles and Jason Terrance Phillips, though both are better known as Styles P from The Lox and Jadakiss. Styles P is vegan and wanted to bring a healthier alternative into his home community and provide a lifestyle option he felt was missing.