Nfl Star, Gary Baxter Partners With Burger King Franchise In Tyler

(Saturday, August 29, 2009) - The grand opening Friday of two Burger Kings in Tyler marks only the beginning of the flame-broiled business partnership between a former NFL star and a Tyler-area franchise giant.

Former NFL standout cornerback Gary Baxter, joined by family and various community representatives, was on hand to celebrate the franchise's opening.

The stores at 2801 SSW Loop 323 and 4113 South Broadway Ave., marked the 22nd and 23rd store under the G. Baxter Enterprise umbrella, according to a news release.

"Today is a very special day for me and my family ...," Baxter, 30, a former star for John Tyler High School said Friday. "I'm coming back home and able to do something positive in the community.

"Our main focus is serving people with good food, taking care of our team and getting into the community."

A ribbon cutting was held at both new Burger King locations.

Joining Baxter was business partner Terry Davis, who owns 23 franchises: four Taco Buenos, 18 Burger Kings and an Exxon station in Canton.

Davis said he will continue partnering with Baxter and hopes to open three more Burger King franchises.

Also at Friday's events were Baxter's wife, Rachel, an actress; sister-in-law, Angela Warren; and mother, Faye Baxter-Jones.

Baxter played for John Tyler High School. In 1994, he and teammates were awarded the ESPY's "Best Play" Award.

That same year, the John Tyler football team ranked second nationally and became state champions.

He continued his football passion at Baylor University before playing in the NFL for eight years, playing for the Baltimore Ravens and the Cleveland Browns.