Behind some of the most iconic brands in America are families who have built their businesses from the ground up. Here are five famous family businesses that you might not have known were family-owned.
Chick-fil-A: Chick-fil-A was founded in 1946 by S. Truett Cathy with the opening of the Dwarf House Grill. The restaurant was originally intended to serve its surrounding community in Hapeville, Georgia. Fifty years later, in 1967, Cathy perfected his chicken sandwich recipe and opened the first Chick-fil-A restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia. The company is now operated by Cathy’s sons Dan T. Cathy and Bubba Cathy, who took over after their father’s death in 2014. Today, there are over 2,300 Chick-fil-A restaurants in 47 states and Washington D.C..
Walmart: Walmart was founded by Sam Walton in 1962 with the opening of the first Walmart store in Rogers, Arkansas. Ten years later, Walton opened the first Walmart Supercenter which quickly became a hit with shoppers looking for low prices and a one-stop shopping experience. After Walton’s death in 1992, his son Rob Walton took over as Chairman of Walmart and helped lead the company to become a retail juggernaut with over 11,000 stores worldwide.
Robinson Luggage: Robinson Luggage was founded by Frank Robinson in 1900 when he started selling trunks and suitcases out of the back of a horse drawn wagon on the streets of Baltimore, Maryland. In 1970, Robinson’s grandson Harry Robinson took over the business and grew it into one of Baltimore’s most iconic retailers. Today, Robinson Luggage is run by Harry’s son Michael Robinson and has been named one of Baltimore’s best places to shop by Baltimore magazine.
Cargill: Cargill is one of the largest privately held companies in the United States with over 150,000 employees worldwide. The company was founded in 1865 by William Wallace Cargill when he inherited a grain warehouse on the waterfront of Iowa’s Mississippi River town of La Crosse. Cargill’s descendants have continued to lead the company since its inception, and it remains one of America’s biggest family owned businesses.
Mars Inc.: Mars Inc. is a global leader in confectionery, pet care, and other food products with annual sales of over $33 billion. The company was founded in 1911 by Franklin Mars when he started making chocolate candies in his kitchen in Tacoma, Washington. Mars’ three sons ( Forrest Jr., John, and Jacqueline) took over the business after their father’s death in 1934 and grew it into the candy powerhouse it is today.
Conclusion:
These five family businesses are proof that American dream is alive and well. Whether it’s fast food or chocolate bars, these families have built their legacies by starting small and growing their businesses into global brands.. Thanks for reading!
