If you’ve spent any time on TikTok lately or follow the reality TV circuit, you’ve probably seen Hudson McLeroy and his brother Parker Lipman. They’re the "rich kids of Atlanta" who seem to live the kind of life most of us only see in movies—private jets, high-end real estate, and a general air of "money is no object." Naturally, people want to know where that cash actually comes from. Specifically, people are digging into the zach and hudson mcleroy parents net worth to see if the hype matches the bank account.
The short answer? Yeah, it matches. We’re talking about "comma" money. Lots of them.
The Man Behind the Chicken: Zach McLeroy
Let’s get the big name out of the way first. Zach McLeroy is the father. He isn't just some guy who did well in real estate; he’s the co-founder and current chairman of Zaxby's. If you live in the South, you know Zaxby's is basically a religion.
Back in 1990, Zach and his childhood friend Tony Townley decided they were tired of mediocre chicken fingers. They scraped together about $16,000—which felt like a fortune back then—and opened the first Zaxby's in Statesboro, Georgia. It was a gamble that paid off in a way that’s frankly hard to wrap your head around.
As of 2026, Zach McLeroy has a net worth of approximately $1 billion.
He officially joined the Forbes Billionaires list recently, and for good reason. In 2020, a massive deal went down where Goldman Sachs bought a majority stake in Zaxby's. While Tony Townley sold his entire stake, Zach kept a significant portion—roughly 30% of the company. That move alone solidified his status as one of Georgia’s wealthiest individuals.
Family Dynamics and the "Step" Situation
The family tree is a little bit complicated, which is why you see different last names popping up on shows like Buckhead Shore or Next Gen NYC. Zach McLeroy was previously married to Carol McLeroy. Together, they have children, including Parker Lipman.
Wait, why the different name? Parker is actually Hudson’s half-brother.
Hudson McLeroy, who is currently making waves in New York City with his girlfriend Ariana Biermann (daughter of Kim Zolciak), is the son of Zach and his current wife. This "blended" family wealth is what fuels the lifestyle you see on screen. It’s not just one person with a good job; it’s a multi-generational empire built on fried chicken and "Zax Sauce."
Breaking Down the $1 Billion Net Worth
How does a chicken finger empire actually get to a billion dollars? It's not just about selling boxes of Wings & Things. It’s about the scale.
- The Goldman Sachs Buy-In: When Goldman Sachs stepped in, the valuation of Zaxby's skyrocketed. They didn't just buy a restaurant; they bought a brand that has over 900 locations across 17 states.
- The Leaven Group: Zach isn't just sitting on his porch. He’s involved with The Leaven Group, a private investment firm. This is where "old money" becomes "growing money." They invest in other hospitality ventures and real estate, diversifying that chicken fortune.
- Real Estate Holdings: You don't live in Atlanta's elite circles without some serious property. Between massive estates in Georgia and luxury spots elsewhere, a chunk of that net worth is tied up in high-value land.
Hudson has mentioned on various platforms that while he comes from "massive self-made success," he’s trying to carve his own path as an investor. But let's be real: having a billionaire father provides a "safety net" that is more like a reinforced concrete floor.
Why the Internet is Obsessed with Them
Honestly, it’s the contrast. You have Zach, who is this low-profile, "work-hard-and-give-back" kind of executive. He talks a lot about "enriching lives" and company culture. Then you have the younger generation—Hudson and Parker—who are very much in the public eye, dating other celebrities and filming reality shows.
It’s the classic American story, just with more expensive cars.
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One thing people often get wrong is thinking the money is "new." It’s been building for 35 years. This wasn't a viral tech app that blew up overnight. It was thirty-five years of logistical grind, franchising, and competing with giants like Chick-fil-A and Raising Cane's.
Is the Net Worth Growing?
Probably. Even though Zach stepped down as CEO in 2022 to become Chairman, the brand is still expanding. They’re looking at international markets now. Every time a new Zaxby's opens in a different state, that $1 billion figure gets a little more solid.
For Hudson and the rest of the family, this means the "McLeroy" name is essentially synonymous with Atlanta royalty. Whether they’re in NYC or Buckhead, that Zaxby’s money is the engine behind everything they do.
Actionable Takeaways for the Curious:
- Watch the Moves: If you're interested in how they maintain this wealth, keep an eye on The Leaven Group. That's where the next phase of their business life is happening.
- Don't Confuse Social Media with Liquidity: While Hudson and Parker show off a lot of wealth, remember that the "billionaire" status belongs to the father, Zach. The kids are wealthy, but the "B" belongs to the man who started it in Statesboro.
- Study the Business Model: Zaxby's success is a masterclass in franchising. If you're an aspiring entrepreneur, looking at how Zach and Tony scaled from one shop to 900+ is more valuable than any reality show episode.
The McLeroy fortune is real, it's massive, and as long as people keep craving chicken fingers and crinkle fries, it isn't going anywhere.