Ernie Edwards leaves a legacy

HALIFAX—One of Canada’s earliest Kentucky Fried Chicken franchisees, Ernest Edwards, passed away in June, at age 90.

Edwards started in the restaurant business at a young age, eventually owning 26 KFC franchises in Nova Scotia as well as Edwards Fine Food and the Town and Country restaurant on Quinpool Road in Halifax.

Following a meeting with Kentucky Fried Chicken founder Harland Sanders, Edwards added KFC chicken to the restaurant at the Town and Country.

At its peak, the restaurant sold more chicken than any other KFC location in North America.

In 1961, Edwards helped form the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association and served as the organization’s first president.

The Edwards Family Charitable Foundation continues to donate to healthcare, education and children’s causes.

Edwards sold the family business in the early 90s. He was born in Saint John and died in hospital in Halifax.