Fugate Enterprises announces the passing of its founder, president, and beloved leader, James Larry Fugate. Fugate Enterprises operates 131 Pizza Hut restaurants and 76 Taco Bell locations across several states. Larry began his journey into business ownership in January 1974, taking a bold leap by purchasing two Pizza Hut locations in Coffeyville and Independence, Kansas, and a Taco Hut in Independence. From those humble beginnings, Larry built a business empire, rapidly expanding Pizza Hut locations across small towns in Southeast Kansas before branching into other states. By 1988, Larry opened his 100th Pizza Hut restaurant, becoming one of the largest independent franchise owners with over 200 locations at his peak. In 1985, Larry diversified into the video rental industry under the Major Video brand, transitioning these stores to Blockbuster in 1991. He ultimately operated 45 Blockbuster stores across four states. Additionally, he ventured into Taco Bell in 1987, opening his first location in Wichita, Kansas, and expanding across multiple states. By 1999, Larry managed 50 Taco Bell locations, a number that has grown to 76 across Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kentucky.