HR1541: HR1541 Royal, Mr. Anthony J., Sr. and Mrs. Leslie E.; commend

This is a ceremonial resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives recognizing Anthony J. Royal, Sr. and his wife Leslie E. Royal for their careers in the restaurant industry and their community involvement in the Lithonia area. It describes his path from working at KFC as a teenager to operating a Chick-fil-A for 16 years, and now owning Robert's Soul Food Restaurant and a new restaurant called Blessings. The resolution also notes his work as founder of a nonprofit that helps homeless and unemployed men, his role as a home inspector, and his church ministry involvement. It directs the Clerk of the House to prepare a copy of the resolution for the Royals. It does not create, change, or repeal any Georgia law.

• Formally commends and congratulates Anthony J. Royal, Sr. and Leslie E. Royal for their restaurant business achievements.
• Recognizes the opening of their new restaurant, Blessings, as a milestone in their entrepreneurial work.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare a copy of the resolution for distribution to the couple.
• Creates no legal requirements, funding, penalties, or changes to Georgia statutes, since it is a ceremonial honor.

The resolution directly names and honors Anthony J. Royal, Sr. and Leslie E. Royal, owners of Robert's Soul Food Restaurant and Blessings in Lithonia, Georgia. It has no effect on the public, businesses, or government agencies beyond this personal recognition.

The resolution has no practical legal effect on Georgians; it is a symbolic honor. Its significance is personal and community-based, publicly recognizing the Royals' business and charitable contributions in the House of Representatives' official record.

• The resolution's whereas clauses recount Mr. Royal's career history, from working at KFC at age 17 to operating a Chick-fil-A and later owning Robert's Soul Food Restaurant.
• It notes the couple's newest restaurant, Blessings, as reflecting their continued growth and community commitment.
• It describes Mr. Royal's nonprofit, Forty Days to Deliverance, Inc., which assists homeless and unemployed men.
• The resolving clause formally commends and congratulates both Mr. and Mrs. Royal and wishes them continued success.
• A final clause directs the Clerk of the House to provide a copy of the resolution to the couple.

1. 2026-03-03House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2026-03-03House First Readers (House)
3. 2026-03-03House Hopper (House)

• Doreen Carter (D, HD-093)Primary sponsor
• Carolyn Hugley (D, HD-141)
• Billy Mitchell (D, HD-088)
• Viola Davis (D, HD-087)
• Omari Crawford (D, HD-089)

• commendation resolution
• small business
• Lithonia Georgia
• restaurant industry