Richard Thomas, Owner of Buckhead's R. Thomas Grill, Dies

BUCKHEAD, GA -- Richard Thomas, founder of Buckhead’s eclectic and largely vegetarian restaurant R. Thomas Deluxe Grill, has reportedly passed away.

Thomas was a luminary in the food service industry, serving as the first president of Kentucky Fried Chicken and founding member of Bojangles’ Famous Chicken n’ Biscuits, according to What Now Atlanta.

"Sunday morning tradition during a very special time in my life, and have always held a soft spot in my heart for your place, parrots, and omelets," read one comment left on the Deluxe Grill Facebook page.

Thomas died Wednesday, the entrepreneur's family told What Now. A cause of death was not reported.

His Buckhead eatery at 1812 Peachtree Street is an Atlanta institution, known for its vegetarian dishes and its 24-hours-a-day schedule.

Eater Atlanta noted that Thomas had planned on opening a hamburger business, but switched to a healthier menu at Deluxe Grill years before it was popular.

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