HR 1541: Royal, Mr. Anthony J., Sr. and Mrs. Leslie E.; commend

House Resolution 1541

By: Representatives Carter of the 93rd, Hugley of the 141st, Mitchell of the 88th, Davis of the 87th, and Crawford of the 89th

A RESOLUTION

Honoring Mr. Anthony J. Royal, Sr., and Mrs. Leslie E. Royal; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, Mr. Anthony J. Royal, Sr., affectionately known as Tony Royal, is a respected entrepreneur, faith leader, and community advocate whose life reflects the wisdom of Ecclesiastes 3:7: “to everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”; and

WHEREAS, through each season, he has faithfully pursued excellence in business, service, and family; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Royal began his journey in the restaurant industry at just 17 years old working at KFC; over the years, he gained extensive experience in quick-service operations and later served as an Operator of a Chick-fil-A restaurant for 16 years where he sharpened his leadership skills and deepened his commitment to customer service and operational excellence; and

WHEREAS, transitioning from the corporate environment to entrepreneurship, he courageously embraced the challenges of small business ownership; and

WHEREAS, today, Mr. Royal is the proud Owner and Operator of Robert’s Soul Food Restaurant, a beloved dining destination in Lithonia, Georgia; and

WHEREAS, known for its warm hospitality and authentic down-home cuisine, the restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner featuring signature dishes such as oxtails, neckbones, smothered Salisbury steak, fried chicken, fried pork chops, fried fish, and homemade desserts including sweet potato pie and lemon glaze pound cake; and

WHEREAS, under his leadership, the restaurant has become more than a place to dine—it is a gathering space where community and fellowship flourish; and

WHEREAS, building upon this legacy of excellence, Mr. and Mrs. Royal are now celebrating the opening of their newest restaurant, Blessings, a powerful testament to their continued growth, faith, and commitment to serving the community through quality food and meaningful relationships; and

WHEREAS, the launch of Blessings marks another significant milestone in their entrepreneurial journey and reflects their unwavering dedication to expanding opportunities, creating jobs, and strengthening the local economy; and

WHEREAS, beyond his business accomplishments, Mr. Royal is the Founder and Executive Director of Forty Days to Deliverance, Inc., a nonprofit born from a God-given vision to empower men who are homeless, unemployed, or seeking direction; and

WHEREAS, through counseling, workforce development, educational support, and vital community resources, the organization has restored hope and transformed lives; and

WHEREAS, he also serves as President and Lead Certified Inspector of Get RIGHT Inspections and remains active in ministry at Berean Christian Church, where he faithfully serves in the Deacons Ministry and Men’s Ministry; and

WHEREAS, central to his success is the steadfast partnership of his wife of 38 years, Mrs. Leslie E. Royal; together, they have built a legacy grounded in faith, family, and service; and

WHEREAS, they are the proud parents of Antasha and Jay, cherish their son-in-love Julius, and delight in their roles as “G-Daddy” and grandmother to their granddaughters, Kedei Savanna and Kemi Mae; and

WHEREAS, Mr. and Mrs. Royal exemplify entrepreneurial excellence, faith-driven leadership, and heartfelt community service.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body commend and congratulate Mr. Anthony J. Royal, Sr., and Mrs. Leslie E. Royal for their outstanding achievements in the restaurant industry, for their continued impact through Robert’s Soul Food Restaurant, and for the successful opening of their newest restaurant, Blessings, and extended sincere best wishes for continued prosperity, growth, and abundant success in all their future endeavors. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Mr. Anthony J. Royal, Sr., and Mrs. Leslie E. Royal.