In the 80-ies of Lowell Hawthorne emigrated to the U.S. from Jamaica. In 1989, with the help of savings family, he opened his first restaurant, the Jamaican patties at Golden Krust in Bronx.
After 7 years, he had 17 restaurants throughout new York. After a stunning success in the Big Apple he decided to expand the geography network and began franchising.
In 2015, in an interview for the Wall Street Journal Hawthorne said: «By 2020, all Americans will hear about Jamaican patties».
All of his four children, wife, cousins, nieces and nephews involved in the business. Hawthorne could not even name the exact number of family members who work at Golden Krust.
While saving money to buy our first house, Lorna and I had our reception at sister Lauris’ home in the Bronx. #TheBakersSon
Posted by Lowell Hawthorne on Thursday, May 4, 2017
But despite great achievements in the field of business, Saturday Hawthorne shot himself in the head in his office at the factory in the Bronx. According to relatives, a few hours before the suicide, he confessed to a huge tax debt.
A source familiar with the matter, reported that Hawthorne left a suicide note in which he apologized to his family.
Al Alston, who was friends with Hawthorne for 30 years and owns a franchise of Golden Krust in Queens, called his suicide «more than surprising – it’s not like him». «He always was a cheerful guy,» said Alston.
In his last post on the page in Facebook Hawthorne wrote:
«I was always looking for another honest ways to make a buck. Like many who moved here citizens of the Caribbean, I struggled trying to work and raise a family. I can only thank God for all that I’ve accomplished, and if my story can inspire others to stand up and risk it, then I was able to do something meaningful».
At the time of death Hawthorne owned 120 retail outlets in nine States, sold their pies in more than 20,000 supermarkets, the city school network, and the U.S. army.
Golden Krust was built on family. It’s a legacy; it’s a tradition.
Posted by Lowell Hawthorne on Thursday, November 16, 2017
