“John Brown is widely recognized as one of America’s foremost entrepreneurs. His impact on foodservice, especially in franchising, has been remarkable” said Randall Friedman, publisher of NRN. “Known as the ‘Franchise King,’ Mr. Brown opened over 4,000 franchise units nationally and internationally without ever instigating an issue with a franchisee. His franchise model has been widely emulated and we look forward to celebrating his achievements at MFSO.”

After purchasing Kentucky Fried chicken in 1964 from its founder, Colonel Harland Sanders, Brown overhauled the company’s franchising contract and worked to expand the chain from 600 locations to 3,500 units.

“John brought us into the modern age of fast food with the right franchising model. He was a pioneer in the industry,” said former KFC franchisee Harold Dunford.

In addition to leading the explosive growth of KFC from 1964 to 1972, Brown co-founded Kenny Rogers Roasters with recording artist Kenny Rogers, expanding that chain to more than 300 restaurants before selling it in the mid-1990s. In the past two decades, he has founded several other restaurants including Miami Subs, Chicken by George and Roadhouse Grill.

Curtis Wilson, vice president/general manager for restaurant and lodging industries for American Express, calls Brown “one of a kind, an individual who has always challenged traditional methods of doing business with consistent success. Mr. Brown built KFC into one of the world’s largest foodservice companies, and, along with McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc, is credited with launching the dynamic growth of the fast-food industry.”