The founder of the 118-unit Golden Krust Caribbean bakery-cafe chain died over the weekend from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Lowell Hawthorne, 57, was found inside a New York City factory that produced some of the foods sold within his concept and supermarkets. He reportedly left a note, the content of which has yet to be revealed.
News reports say that Hawthorne was worried about the $150,000 he owed in taxes and feared a lien would be put on his business. He had also been sued by a former employee for allegedly failing to pay overtime to the plaintiff and 100 other employees. The suit was awaiting certification as a class action.
Golden Krust specializes in Jamaican-style meat pies and pastries, sandwiches, soups and salads. Its storefront-style quick-service shops are clustered in the Greater New York area, often in ethnic neighborhoods.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a Restaurant Business member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.