C. H. James & Co. has been recognized as one of the oldest and largest African-American owned companies in the United States. Founded in 1883 by Charles H. James, the business evolved from its early roots as a pack peddling bartering operation into a regional wholesale produce house by the time of his retirement in 1926. Always focusing on the food industry, each of the company’s four generations of family leadership have adapted to the ever-changing competitive environment to survive and thrive. C. H. James’ son, Edward, ran the business from 1926-1967 and re-focused the business on poultry and egg distribution. His son, C. H. James II, served as CEO from 1967-1988 and strategically transformed the business into a broadline wholesale food distributor. Today the company is a multi-million dollar modern corporation whose interests have included international wholesale food distribution and food processing for customers including the U.S. government, McDonald’s, Yum! Brands, Wendy’s and Darden Restaurants. The founder’s great-grandson, Charles H. James III, through acquisitions, partnerships and divestitures has created an investment holding company that retains its historical interests in produce distribution as well as in quick service restaurant ownership and operations. Corporate Biography
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