The founder and CEO of Caribbean food chain Golden Krust was found dead inside his Bronx factory Saturday on Park Avenue.
Police say 57-year-old Lowell Hawthorne died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head inside the building at 3958 Park Ave. They say foul play is not suspected.
Hawthorne built the Jamaican beef patty company back in 1989 on East Gun Hill Road. He owned 50 Golden Krust locations in New York City alone, and over 100 across the United States.
Hawthorne wrote a book about his success story, appeared on the CBS show "Undercover Boss" and was given many awards for his entrepreneurship and philanthropy throughout his lifetime.
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. tweeted, "Lowell Hawthorne was a good friend, and was always ready to help my office whenever we needed him. He will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and employees during this difficult time."