Louis C. Henry, Jr., a Southern University alum, has grown to become one of the most successful African-American entrepreneurs in the Midwest region.
Henry and Brenda, his wife, own and operate several McDonald’s in Minneapolis, Minn.
A native of Bastrop, Henry chose to attend Southern University in the late 1960s.
As a business and finance major, he completed his studies and graduated in 1971.
After graduation, he ventured to Plano, Texas where he landed his first job with Westinghouse Corporation as a loan officer.
It was there that Henry’s interest was piqued in owning a business.
He and his wife began to research various profitable businesses to pursue. Those businesses included fast food chains such as Burger King, McDonald’s and Pizza Hut.
After a four-year competitive selection process and a move to Atlanta, Henry was selected to own a McDonald’s franchise.
In a few years Henry moved to Minneapolis, Minn. to expand his franchise.
“We decided to move from Atlanta because there were already a number of Black McDonald’s operators,” said Brenda Henry. “At the time we decided to move, the opportunity for expansion (in Minnesota) was greater at the time.”
Beginning modestly in Louisiana, a combination of hard work, determination, and effort have resulted not only in a successful entrepreneur, but also prosperous food franchise businesses.
