One of Los Angeles’ most Beloved Business Leaders
Relatives and friends of one of Los Angeles’ most successful Black businessmen are still reeling in shock and dismay this week after learning that long-time McDonald’s franchise owner Bob Johnson was killed when his three-wheel motorcycle was struck from behind on July 25 in Las Vegas. He was 60 years old.
According to the only published report of the incident, Johnson was hit from behind by a 1998 Nissan Maxima driven by 33-year-old Modesto Lopez-Hernandez of Las Vegas and jolted Mr. Johnson into oncoming traffic. His body was identified by Clark County corner’s office two days later.
Lopez has since been arrested and charged with felony driving under the influenced and was being held on bail pending a court appearance this week.
Friends and relatives of Johnson were gathered in private at his two estates in the Southland and refused to provide any comments on the death. No funeral arrangements have been made available, and even those who closely admired the man did not wish to make any statements about him.
Johnson’s daughter and son arrived in Los Angeles this week, but were unavailable for comment.
Johnson was enormously successful in real estate and for 25 years owned several Mc Donald’s franchises, including one located at LAX.
In 2006, he filed a lawsuit against the fast food giant for $11 million and was recently awarded a settlement in that case.
A former Postal Services employee, Johnson was very private and low key although he owned several homes in Los Angeles and had just finishing building another home in Henderson, NV.
He was also quite generous, donating to various charitable organizations and hiring minorities for his fast food establishments.
“We’ve lost another American business leader, who was very important to the growth and development of Black enterprise in greater Los Angeles area and he will be missed,” said Earl “Skip” Cooper, president and CEO of Black Business Association.
