Key Takeaways
- Hudson McLeroy, 23, son of billionaire Zaxby’s founder, joins Bravo’s “Next Gen NYC.”
- His relationship with Kim Zolciak’s daughter, Ariana Biermann, will feature prominently.
- Hudson’s reality TV connections include stepbrother Parker Lipman of “Buckhead Shore.”
Bravo’s upcoming series, Next Gen NYC, promises glitz, drama, and a fresh wave of young socialites stepping into the spotlight—and one of them, Hudson McLeroy, is already raising eyebrows.
Hudson McLeroy has officially joined the cast, and Bravo fans are curious: Who is Hudson? Where does he come from? And what’s his story?
It turns out that Hudson’s life is already made for reality TV, and the cameras are just now catching up.
Who Is Hudson McLeroy?
Hudson McLeroy, 23, hails from an influential and wealthy family in Atlanta, Georgia.
Bravo teases that he’s had “early success” as an investor and is now diving into the fast-paced world of New York City—partially in pursuit of love.
His longtime on-again, off-again relationship with Ariana Biermann (yes, Kim Zolciak’s daughter) is expected to be a central storyline in Next Gen NYC.
Bravo hints,
“Hudson’s got charm, ambition and a Southern gentleman’s manners. But can he handle this circle of friends (and frenemies), or is fitting in about to become his riskiest investment yet?”
The show will follow Hudson and other young influencers as they balance love, legacy, and life in NYC.
Family Ties & Billionaire Background
Hudson is the son of Carolina McLeroy and Zach McLeroy—names that carry serious clout, particularly in the Southeast.
Hudson’s father, Zach McLeroy, is the founder and former CEO of Zaxby’s, a wildly popular chicken restaurant chain with nearly 1,000 locations across the U.S. Southeast.
In 2023 alone, Zaxby’s raked in $2.5 billion in systemwide sales.
Zach McLeroy recently became a billionaire, joining the Forbes World Billionaires List alongside his former business partner Tony Townley after a multi-million dollar deal with Goldman Sachs.
Zach and Townley each started the business by putting up just $8,000.
That small investment snowballed into billion-dollar empires and generational wealth, which now supports the McLeroy kids’ jet-setting lifestyles.
Hudson’s mother, Carolina, is fiercely proud of her son. On his 23rd birthday, she posted a heartfelt tribute:
“Happy 23rd to my baby boy! I’m so proud of you! I wish you the very best day today and every day. To know you is to love you. Reach for the stars, baby, cause you deserve the world. Love, Momma.”
Via Instagram
A Reality TV Dynasty?
Hudson isn’t the only famous face in the family.
His stepbrother, Parker Lipman, starred in MTV’s Buckhead Shore and is also known for his rich kid roots.
Parker, Carolina’s son from a previous relationship, spent summers at the family’s luxurious lake house—a setting that became the backdrop of MTV’s spin on summer drama.
On Buckhead Shore, Parker even said, “Chicken is life,” a nod to the family business.
With deep southern roots, a famous girlfriend, family wealth, and ties to multiple TV franchises (The Real Housewives, Buckhead Shore, and now Next Gen NYC), Hudson McLeroy has all the ingredients for Bravo stardom.
Plus, his history with Ariana Biermann could add some serious spice.
Bravo teased their relationship as “sweethearts since junior high,” but long-term love in front of the cameras rarely stays sweet for long. Will romance reignite or explode?
Fans will have to tune in to find out.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Hudson McLeroy also has a sister, Sterling McLeroy.
