The Woman Who Shifted Southern Business
A new name has joined the ranks of the wealthiest women in the southern United States — Carol McLeroy. With the rapid expansion of the Zaxby’s restaurant chain, she has become one of its biggest stakeholders, and in turn, a billionaire. Her success grew not from luck but from her role in a brand that secured a strong place in everyday dining.
How Zaxby’s Growth Boosted Her Wealth
A Big Idea from a Small Restaurant
In 1990, two friends from Georgia — Zach McLeroy and Tony Townley — opened a small chicken-focused restaurant. That first local spot became Zaxby’s. Its popularity soon went beyond one town, and the business expanded throughout the region. Carol gained her position in the growing company through family ties and ownership.
Expansion Without Flashy Moves
The chain took root in the South and expanded mainly through franchising. New outlets appeared in places where simple food at a fair price fit naturally into local habits. Carol increased her wealth as Zaxby’s grew but stayed out of the spotlight, avoiding public attention while her share kept rising in value.
Why Her Path Stands Out
A Woman Who Didn’t Follow the Script
The restaurant industry rarely places women at the top of billionaire lists. McLeroy is an exception. She did not build a public leadership role or run kitchens; instead, she held on to a stake in a business that grew from one restaurant into hundreds. That early involvement became the key to her fortune.
The Region Feels the Impact
Hundreds of Zaxby’s restaurants mean local jobs, business opportunities and franchising prospects for small entrepreneurs. McLeroy’s wealth is more than a number — it reflects how one brand has become an economic force in the American South.
Quiet Influence, Strong Position
Carol avoids interviews and rarely appears in public, yet her share remains one of the most significant in the company. There are no bold statements in her biography, only steady growth tied to a menu that has become part of the region’s everyday food culture.
Carol McLeroy’s story shows that wealth doesn’t always come from a loud career or public ambition. Sometimes it’s enough to recognise a promising business early and hold on to it until it becomes a powerhouse shaping an entire region.
