National radio host with SC State ties brings popular food chain to Orangeburg
“This means everything, I love Orangeburg. My father-in-law went to Claflin University
and my mother graduated from South Carolina State University,” Charlamagne said at
the restaurant’s grand opening on Friday. “This is the first of many locations that
we’re opening in South Carolina, and I am happy that I get to provide jobs for my
people here in South Carolina.”
“I have an honorary degree from SC State, so I consider SC State my alma mater," he
said. "Orangeburg just means a lot to me."
SC State awarded Charlamagne, whose real name is Lenard Larry McKelvey, an honorary
Doctor of Humane Letters as he delivered the keynote address at Spring Commencement
in May 2021.
“The Breakfast Club” host established the Ford Family Endowed Scholarship Fund at SC State, which provides
scholarships to students in English, communications or mental health-related fields.
He noted that his mother is an English teacher while he is a mental health advocate
and a communications professional.
Among Charlamagne's business partners in the venture is his wife, Jessica Gadsden-McKelvey.
He grew up in Moncks Corner, South Carolina.
Founded in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1932, Krystal has grown to nearly 300 locations in 10 states. The Atlanta, Georgia-based restaurant
chain primarily is known for its square hamburger sliders but also offers chicken
sliders, hot dogs and other quick-serve items, as well as a breakfast menu.
The Orangeburg Krystal, 1486 Chestnut St., is open 24 hours, seven days per week.
