Larry D. Thornton's route into business began with drawing. In a City of Birmingham interview, he recalled recognizing the ability as a child and finding encouragement from a high-school English teacher. He went on to study art and teach.
Thornton taught at Vestavia High School for four years until budget cuts eliminated the job. Freelance work and sign painting came next, and that led to Coca-Cola. In the city's account, he described starting at five dollars an hour and later becoming an advertising manager. In 1992, he opened his first McDonald's restaurant in Birmingham. The city identifies him as its first African American McDonald's franchise owner, a milestone specific to that community.
His business became Thornton Enterprises. In an account published by the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, Thornton said community service had been part of his approach from the beginning. The foundation records a nine-year tenure on its board, alongside his financial support.
He has also turned his experience into writing. The University of West Georgia dates the publication of his first book, *Why Not Win?*, to April 2019. He developed the nonprofit Why Not Win Institute with co-founder Zillah Fluker, using ideas from the book in leadership programs for students and working adults. The university has hosted him as an executive in residence and welcomed him back for first-year students in November 2024.
His connection to the beverage business continues on the board of Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED, which lists him among its directors.
In August 2026, Thornton was inducted into the Birmingham Business Hall of Fame. The Birmingham Times reported the recognition and his continued artistic work, including portraits of Maya Angelou and Oprah Winfrey. At the ceremony, he thanked the people who had helped him along the way.
