The restaurants were owned by Joloj Industries, Inc., which was founded by Theodore Holmes.[2] The company's name was chosen based upon a character name in the book Roots: The Saga of an American Family.[2][3] At its prime, the company had six restaurants in Baltimore, two in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania[4] and a location in Washington D.C.,[2] along with franchise restaurants. The chain was very popular in Baltimore, having been described as "that it seemingly became a household name overnight" by the Baltimore Afro-American newspaper.[4] In August, 1980 the company was described by the Baltimore Afro-American as "the highest grossing single chicken outlet in the country" (per the advisement of Theodore Holmes to the newspaper).[1] In 1982 the company earned sales revenue of US$14 million.[2]
The company had franchisesinAtlanta, Los Angeles and in other states, and it was reported in January 1983 that the company had plans to expand in Oklahoma, with a franchise agreement having been signed.[5][6]
In January 1987, the company and the rights to the company's concept was purchased by George, Hill & Sons Management.[4][7] In January 1989, the company was purchased by Meldon S. Hollis Jr., and in September 1991 the company filed to dissolve the business in Chapter 7 bankruptcy proceedings.[8]
Theodore Holmes spent $750,000 developing the company's chicken products, utilizing personal taste testing by himself and staff members.[2] Fare included chicken, chicken salad, gumbo, fish and chips and various side dishes such as greens, biscuits, french fries and rice.[9] The company opted to not serve pork products, and used beef to flavor its various products.[9]
Theodore Holmes was the founder and chief executive officer of Chicken George restaurants.[8] In September, 1991 it was reported by The Baltimore Sun that Chicken George became the "largest black-owned fast-food company in the country" after its creation.[8] Holmes died on November 29, 2011, at the age of 72, from complications due to diabetes.[10]
