Profile: Lowell Hawthorne.,founder and CEO, Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery and Grill

Lowell Hawthorne.,founder and CEO, Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery and Grill. PHOTO/Andrew Herthington

Country of origin: Jamaica

Occupation:Founder and CEO, Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery and Grill

Jamaican born Lowell Hawthorne is the founder and CEO of Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery and Grill – the largest Caribbean franchise chain in the United States.

Mr. Hawthorne launched the Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery & Grill in 1989 when he opened its first establishment in the Bronx, New York. Under his stewardship, the company has grown and at present, there are close to 130 franchises in nine states along the Eastern seaboard, and a wholesale division that sells sauces and frozen patties to Costco, 7-Eleven, Sam’s Club, the New York public school system and grosses more than US$ 100 million in annual sales.

Lowell Hawthorne emigrated to the United States from Jamaica in 1981. Shortly after landing, he obtained employment with as an assistant stock handler with the New York Police Department (NYPD). He would eventually rise and become an accountant. He quit the NYPD in 1991.

Hawthorne and his siblings pooled money together and raised US$ 107,000 – the banks were hesitant to grant loans to new restaurants because of the failure rate — especially niche restaurants.

Hawthorne is an alumnus of the Bronx Community College where he earned an associate’s degree in accounting.

Find more on Lowell Hawthorne and the Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery and Grill here…