12 Facts About James McLamore

James Whitman McLamore was an American entrepreneur, the founder and first CEO of the Burger King fast food franchise, along with David Edgerton.

James McLamore was a gardener, and chairman at Fairchild Tropical Gardens.

James McLamore went to Northfield Mount Hermon School before attending Cornell University at the School of Hotel Management.

James McLamore arrived at Cornell with only $11 in his pocket, but he graduated in 1947.

James McLamore started a third concept called McLamore's Brickell Bridge Restaurant at 550 Brickell Avenue in Miami, Florida, in 1951.

Edgerton had been eager for James McLamore to join him in the business, but James McLamore had to sell his other two restaurants first.

In 1961, James McLamore negotiated the national rights to Burger King dropping the Insta title and began growth across the country.

James McLamore served as Burger King's CEO until 1972, when he stepped down as Pillsbury was taking the business in a different direction.

James McLamore pursued his passion in gardening, both at home and with Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden.

James McLamore returned and gave speeches at the National Franchisee Association conference's in San Francisco and Orlando.

James McLamore died of lung cancer in Coral Gables, Florida, on August 8,1996, at the age of 70.

James McLamore's retirement was spent serving on a variety of boards and organizations to support south Florida and the nation as a whole.