From Staff Reports 

HENDERSONVILLE, N.C.— U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-Flat Rock, and his wife, Teresa, officially sold all of their Western North Carolina McDonald’s franchises to longtime friends and fellow franchisees Christine and Chris Nevant of Asheville, according to a news release from Edwards’ office on July 13.

The financial terms were not disclosed.

Following is the backstory:

• A 50-year tie: The sale concludes a nearly five-decade chapter for Edwards, who first worked behind the counter of a McDonald’s at age 16. He eventually joined the management team and later bought that very same location.

• Family operation: He and his wife built a multi-restaurant franchise business in Henderson, Transylvania and Haywood counties. When Edwards was elected to the N.C. Senate in 2016, Teresa took over the day-to-day management of the restaurants so he could serve in the legislature.

• Transition to public service: According to the official announcement, the couple stated the sale allows their family to fully step away from business ownership to focus their time and energy on his increasingly demanding congressional duties and constituent services.

As for public statements, the release highlighted the congressman’s gratitude for the franchise, noting that it had taught him the value of hard work and team leadership. 

Edwards also remarked on how these lessons directly shaped his career.

Congressman Edwards and his office shared their appreciation for the fast-food giant and the lessons it provided in the release.

“McDonald’s changed the course of my life,” Rep. Edwards stated in the release. “It taught me the value of hard work, personal responsibility, teamwork, and serving others. Those lessons have shaped every chapter of my life — from running a small business to serving in the North Carolina Senate and now representing the people of Western North Carolina in Congress.”

Before purchasing the restaurants with her husband, Teresa Edwards worked as an office manager for a local construction company, according to the release. Together, the couple built and operated their McDonald’s business for many years, creating jobs and serving thousands of customers throughout the region.

AI Overview added, “...there is speculation among critics and local observers that Congressman Chuck Edwards sold his McDonald’s franchises to either raise liquid cash for his difficult re-election campaign, navigate ongoing political and ethical controversies, or separate his public office from his business dealings.”

Also, AI Overview stated, “...there is speculation online that Congressman Chuck Edwards and his wife, Teresa, sold their McDonald’s franchises as part of an asset division ahead of a potential divorce. This rumor is circulating on local social media and forums in connection to his recent House Ethics Committee investigation.”

To that end, the U.S. House Ethics Committee is investigating Rep. Edwards regarding allegations that he engaged in sexual harassment and fostered a hostile work environment. The probe stems from accusations by female staffers in their 20s who reported that his behavior crossed professional boundaries.

Key details of the probe include the following:

• The allegations: Reports include claims that Edwards gave inappropriate personal gifts (such as jewelry and designer bags), engaged in improper personal travel, and made younger female staff members feel uncomfortable and pressured.

• Committee action: The bipartisan House Ethics Committee officially announced it was reviewing the matter pursuant to Committee Rule 18(a). The committee has emphasized that opening an investigation does not indicate that a violation has occurred.

• Edwards’ response: Rep. Edwards has strongly denied the accusations, characterizing them as politically motivated attempts to settle old scores. He has stated that he welcomes the investigation and is cooperating fully with the committee

Meanwhile, Rep. Edwards is facing a challenge from political newcomer Jamie Ager, a Fairview farmer and Democrat, in the Nov. 3 general election.

After its story on the Edwards’ sale of their McDonald’s restaurants, the “Comment Bubble” of Asheville television station WLOS (News 13) included the following assertions:  

• Tee3337 — “I think all McDonald’s should be closed because it’s unhealthy and fake food that causes disease in the human body. Animals won’t eat anything from McDonald’s. That’s a clue to the realness of the food. It’s a strategic move to get out now. I don’t know anything about their personal life except what I just read.”

• FarmerTed — “My dog loves their chicken”

• TheOracle — “Well done — a very nice payday for Edwards and his wife, regardless of what direction they go.” 

• Normal — “Genius move .. McD’s (corporate) is squeezing owners for higher fees, rent, etc., forcing higher pricing, which is driving customers elsewhere. Ain’t no one gonna choose a $12 McMeal when better alternatives exist..” (Subway).

• Dyoung52 — “It doesn’t matter why they sold them. At least he worked at 16, knew hard work and actually owned businesses, unlike probably most of you. He’s actually really down to earth and helped a lot of people with FEMA in WNC when they didn’t want to help hurricane victims. I was one of them ...smh stop using politics as a way to say someone is good or bad in politics people can be completely opposite of who you think it’s just that political not real everyday personality of people just because their job.”