Operations
Rise Biscuit founder will be missed
Tom Ferguson, founder of Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken, died Thursday, Feb. 17, at age 57.
February 21, 2022 by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com
Tom Ferguson Jr., the founder of Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken, died Thursday, Feb. 17, at age 57, leaving behind not only family and friends but a restaurant industry that he's helped to guide over the years.
"Tom was a fearless visionary, a leader, a mentor, and a devoted husband and father," a Rise spokesperson told FastCasual. "We will miss his unbridled enthusiasm, his positivity, his passionate pursuit of life, and his ability to connect with, relate to, and encourage people to believe in themselves."
"Tom's passing is a great loss to the limited foodservice industry," said Elliot Maras, editor of Kiosk Marketplace and Vending Times, who interviewed Ferguson several times over the years. "He was well ahead of the curve in responding to customer needs using technology, and more importantly, he was willing to share his insights with industry colleagues for the benefit of his industry and consumers. Where many restaurants 'hunkered down' during the coronavirus pandemic, Rise Biscuits & Righteous Chicken experienced exceptional growth thanks to its early investments in self service, online ordering, digital gift cards and heated pickup lockers. Tom will definitely be missed."
I can't agree more.
Over the past few years, I had the pleasure of working with Tom while he shared advice on panels at many of our summits. While many executives hold back some of their thoughts, afraid of what others might think, that wasn't Tom. His commitment to telling the truth was inspiring, but he was also funny, thoughtful and dedicated to helping not only his own business and employees thrive but was also always willing to share his story if it could help another restaurant.
I will miss him dearly as I know countless others will as well.
"I was so sad (to hear) the news of Tom's passing," said Tracey Fullington of Essity, who worked with Tom at past industry events. "The October meeting was the second time that I moderated panel with Tom. I was always impressed at the way he cared for his team members. He was the true servant leader and one that embraced innovation in these changing times."
Tom opened Rise Biscuits in 2012 Durham, North Carolina, and has grown it into a national franchise with locations in California, Oklahoma and Maryland.
Prior to starting Rise, he was a chef in many restaurants and also founded Only Burger and Durham Catering Co. in North Carolina.
About Cherryh Cansler
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