HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — William Kenneth “Kenney” Grant, the founder and owner of the iconic West Virginia chain Gino’s Pizza and Spaghetti House, has died. He was 94.
Grant died Wednesday, according to an obituary posted by Beard Mortuary Funeral Home.
Grant, a Huntington native, founded Gino’s in 1961. He gradually expanded the company, which now has about 40 locations in West Virginia. Grant also owned several locations of another West Virginia establishment, Tudor’s Biscuit World.
Grant remained committed to the Huntington community throughout his life, including through the Marshall Artist Series, Marshall University’s arts and entertainment organization.
“Kenney was a visionary, he was not one to be satisfied with just another pizza joint, he always wanted more for his hometown and tried to bring it,” the obituary reads. “In his quest to become a successful businessman, Kenney never forgot his roots.”
He is survived by three children, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.