In November 1976, entrepreneur Robert L. Luddy started Atlantic Fire Systems in Raleigh, NC, to sell automatic dry chemical fire systems to restaurants and industry. Sales for the first full year in business reached $297,000.

Luddy soon developed a relationship with James Maynard and Bill Carl, co-founders of the Golden Corral restaurant chain, which started in nearby Fayetteville, NC. In 1978, Ben Maynard, James’ father, suggested to Luddy that he open a sheet metal shop to manufacture ventilation hoods and integrate the fire system. Sales reached $1 million in 1979.