CHARLOTTE, N.C. — After serving the Charlotte community for 38 years, Floyd's Restaurant announced it is permanently closing.
The restaurant, known for its soul food staples, was opened on Tuckaseegee Road in 1986 by founder Otis Floyd. Since then, the restaurant has had multiple locations across the Charlotte area, the final being on North Graham Street.
Otis' son, Tyrone, took over the family business after his father's untimely death in 2014. Tyrone told WCNC Charlotte despite taking over just 10 years ago, he's been an owner of the restaurant for decades.
"When my dad passed in 2014, suddenly, it was nothing to transition over. I owned everything," Floyd said. "They were signing checks in my name, didn't know it."
After running the north Charlotte location for a decade, Floyd said he aims to spend more time with his family while pursuing other ventures.
"Around year seven [of owning the restaurant] I realized I was killing myself [by running the restaurant]," Floyd said. "I had a heart attack ... I was 40 pounds heavier."
"Even though the restaurant afforded me a lot of comforts in life because we're very successful, sometimes it's about the quality of life."
Much like his son, Otis Floyd was occupied by the family business for most of his life. Tyrone said his dad passed away suddenly at 65, just two weeks before he was supposed to retire.
"He waited as long as he did so my wife and I could be in our careers a little while longer," Floyd said. "We had some success, but he wanted out. I said to myself, 'I'm not dying frying chicken.'"
Floyd said the rigors of owning the restaurant kept him away from his family. He said he's looking forward to enjoying more time at home with those who matter most.
"My family has sacrificed, gave up family continuity and time and big momma's house and this kind of thing," Floyd said. "We lost all that when these restaurants opened. And now that my children are grown up, about to have children of their own, I want to give them the other side of my legacy. Not just business, not just food. I want to give them family."
The restaurant will remain open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. until its last day on June 29.
The news of Floyd's Restaurant closing was first reported by @thadailyspecial.
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