These 2 Black Entrepreneurs Make History as the Owners of 32 Bojangles Franchises

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Mel Carter and Kevin “Coach K” Lee, who are top music executives and entrepreneurs, are also venturing into the food industry as they become owners of 32 different Bojangles restaurants. The two are part owners of Melanbo, a franchise development company that has signed a deal with the popular restaurant, making them the largest Black-controlled franchisee in Bojangles’ history.

Carter and Coach K along with their ownership group Melanbo will partner with Bojangles, the popular restaurant known for its chicken, biscuits, and tea. The agreement involves developing 14 new franchises in Atlanta in addition to their 18 existing franchises in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

Now with a total of 32 restaurants, the acquisition and size of the multi-unit development agreement makes Melanbo the largest Black-controlled franchisee in Bojangles’ system. Both parties are looking forward to the partnership.

“Over the last few years, we have been aggressively seeking opportunities to grow our footprint in Atlanta, and we are thrilled to have reached an agreement with two influential voices in the city’s community,” said Patricia Halpin, Vice President of Franchise Growth at Bojangles, according to Yahoo News. “Mel and Coach K bring a unique perspective and energy to our network of operators that will be extremely beneficial to the brand’s growth going forward.”

Carter, who moved to the US with his family at the age of 12, said owning a franchise was a dream come true for him despite also being renowned in the music industry.

“Immigrating from Trinidad and Tobago, it was always my dream to be an owner of a major restaurant franchise,” said Carter. “Being the largest black owner of a QSR Franchise alongside Coach K at an establishment as great as Bojangles brings me great honor and I am deeply blessed.”

Coach K, who is a well-known hip-hop mogul, also expressed his gratitude about this opportunity.

“I’m proud to do this with Mel and to keep pushing forward Black entrepreneurship,” said Coach K. “We built our way up in music and it’s exciting to branch out in so many ways and to join forces with the No. 1 Black-owned franchise.”