Biography

William B. Johnson is the Waffle House franchisee who created the modern Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. After opening his first Waffle House in 1966 he grew to more than 150 restaurants, at one point operating more Waffle Houses than any other franchisee. In August 1983 his company, W. B. Johnson Properties, bought The Ritz-Carlton Boston and the US trademark for $75.5 million, and he assembled a four-person development team in Atlanta, led by Horst Schulze, to build the brand. In 1988 he obtained the worldwide rights to the Ritz-Carlton name, with a few exceptions. Marriott International bought 49% of the company in 1995 and raised its holding to 99% in April 1998 for $290 million. His birth date, education and net worth were not found in the sources reviewed.

Career

  • 1966 · Opened first Waffle House franchise; grew to 150+ restaurants · Waffle House
  • 1983 · Bought The Ritz-Carlton Boston and the US trademark for $75.5 million · W. B. Johnson Properties
  • 1988 · Obtained worldwide rights to the Ritz-Carlton name (with exceptions) · The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company
  • 1995 · Sold 49% to Marriott International · The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company
  • 1998 · Marriott raised its holding to 99% for $290 million · The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company

Achievements

  • Created the modern Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company in 1983

Companies Founded

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