Hunt Brothers Pizza co-founders and brothers Charlie Hunt, 78, and Don Hunt, 88, have died.
Charlie Hunt died Dec. 22 and Don Hunt on Dec. 27, the Nashville-based company said. The two are preceded in death by their two brothers and co-founders Lonnie Hunt and Jim Hunt.
“The brothers knew where they were going when they passed, and we take comfort in knowing they are reunited again in heaven,” said Scott Hunt, son of Don Hunt and CEO of Hunt Brothers Pizza.
All the brothers grew up in Evansville, Indiana, working in their father’s restaurant, Austin’s Drive In, the company said. After Don finished playing football at Vanderbilt University, he started Pepe’s Pizza in 1962, and his brothers joined him to build the business over two decades across the Southeast. After working separately during the 1980s, the brothers reconnected in 1991 to form a new company, which became Hunt Brothers Pizza.
“Don and Charlie’s lives can be summed up by the mantra my father often repeated: ‘Trust in God to meet our needs, and be a blessing to people’,” said Scott Hunt. “They were true pioneers in the industry, enriching the lives of everyone they touched, and we will continue to spread their positive message as we work toward growing the business.”
The four brothers’ talents and abilities formed a cohesive team that has led to an extended family of more than 9,000 store partnerships, 550 team members and many communities and charities supported over the years, the company said.
“Don’s vision and drive were vital to the growth of the company, while Charlie’s gentle spirit was a core foundation as well,” Hunt Brothers said. “Since 2009, the company has been led by the second generation of leaders from the Hunt family.”
Don is survived by his four children, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, and Charlie by his four children and two grandchildren. Both are survived by their sisters Mary, Elizabeth and Terri.
Hunt Brothers Pizza, with more than 9,000 locations nationwide, is the country’s largest brand of made-to-order pizza in the convenience-store industry.
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