Jack Fulk, who started the Bojangles' Famous Chicken 'n Biscuits chain in Charlotte, N.C. in 1977 with business partner Richard Thomas, died last week at the age of 78.
According to the Charlotte Observer, Fulk, who had been ill, was the mastermind behind the chain's signature made-from-scratch biscuits and Cajun-spiced chicken.
Within the first year of opening their first Bojangles location, Fulk and Thomas had opened another. By the time Fulk retired in 1985, the chain included more than 350 units.
Bojangles continues to expand, with about 500 locations to date, including a new unit that opened over the weekend in Washington, D.C.'s Union Station.
Fulk's daughter and son-in-law continue to run a handful of Bojangles' restaurants in Virginia and North Carolina. His grandson is also a Bojangles' franchisee in Alabama.
Prior to starting Bojangles, Fulk was a Hardee's franchisee.
From the story:
"He was personally responsible for developing the products, flavor profiles as well as the creation and presentation of the Bojangles' brand," said Randy Kibler, Bojangles' president and CEO.
