The Harold’s Chicken family is reeling after the unexpected death of its chief executive, Kristen Pierce-Sherrod, who passed away at 55.
Her family shared the news on social media last week, confirming her death but offering no details about what happened.
Family Asks for Privacy Amid Grief
In a brief statement that has since been taken down, relatives announced the loss and thanked the public for its support.
They asked for privacy as they mourn, keeping any further information about her passing strictly within the family.
Carrying Forward a Family Legacy
Pierce-Sherrod wasn’t just the face of the company — she was part of its DNA.
She was the daughter of Harold Pierce, the man who founded the Chicago-born chicken chain that has become a cultural staple far beyond the city limits.
How Harold’s Chicken Began
The story of Harold’s dates back to 1950, when Pierce and his wife Hilda opened a small restaurant in Chicago called H&H.
The menu leaned into humble beginnings, featuring dumplings and chicken feet.
According to the company, a local butcher supplied Pierce with chicken, and his fried recipe quickly stood out.
That success led to the first Harold’s Chicken Shack opening in the Kenwood neighborhood, laying the groundwork for what would become a beloved brand.
A Dream Built Against the Odds
Pierce-Sherrod often spoke proudly about her father’s journey.
In a 2024 interview, she described him as a young Black man from the South chasing a dream at a time when business loans and opportunities were largely out of reach for African Americans.
Despite legal and social barriers that prevented expansion into downtown Chicago, Pierce built the business out of necessity.
Many national chains avoided Black neighborhoods, leaving Harold’s as one of the few thriving Black-owned restaurants serving the community.
A Pillar of the Community
By the time the company found its footing, Harold’s had become more than a place to eat.
It was a symbol of resilience and success.
The chain marked its 75th anniversary in 2024, a milestone Pierce-Sherrod celebrated with pride.
She famously called it “the best chicken around,” insisting competitors simply couldn’t match what Harold’s offered.
For her, the restaurant was inseparable from Chicago itself.
From Local Favorite to National Name
What began as a neighborhood spot eventually spread across eight states.
Along the way, Harold’s earned shoutouts from Chicago artists like Chance the Rapper and Lupe Fiasco, cementing its place in the city’s cultural fabric.
Leading the Brand for Decades
Pierce-Sherrod stepped into leadership early, co-managing the business with her mother starting in 2000.
She went on to serve as CEO for more than two decades, guiding the company through expansion while keeping its roots intact.
In a 2022 video, she summed up her connection simply: Harold’s had been part of her life for as long as she could remember.
Beyond Chicken: A Passion for Youth
Her work extended well beyond the restaurant world.
In 2021, she co-founded the Chicago Children’s Equestrian Center with her husband, Vincent Sherrod.
As CEO, she helped create a space where children could learn horseback riding while building confidence and self-love.
Remembering the Founder
Her father, Harold Pierce, passed away in 1988 after battling prostate cancer.
His legacy, carried forward by his daughter, continues to shape the brand he built from the ground up.
Awaiting Further Comment
Daily Mail has reached out to Harold’s Chicken for comment as tributes continue to pour in and the company navigates this sudden loss.
What Comes Next
For now, the future of Harold’s Chicken remains steady but reflective, as the family and community honor a leader who spent her life protecting and expanding a legacy that started with a dream — and a recipe — in Chicago.
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