laughtery_jackJack A. Laughery

Jack A. Laughery, Iowa native, moved to Rocky Mount in the early 1970s and became the President of Hardees Food Systems. In 1980 he was elected Chairman of the Board. He was also a partner in Papa John’s restaurants and part owner of Rocky Mount Harley-Davidson. Mr. Laughery received the NC Restaurateur of the Year Award in 1980. The next year he won the Gold Plate Award from the International Foodservice Manufacturers’ Association, the highest honor in the foodservice industry. He was then named Man of the Year 1987 in Nation’s Restaurant News. Mr. Laughery was also involved in local business organizations, serving on the Nash County Industrial Development Commission, the NC State Advisory Budget Commission and the State Board of Transportation.

Inducted into Hall of Fame 2006
Deceased