The family of Kristen Pierce-Sherrod, the Chief Executive Officer of the beloved Chicago-based fried chicken chain Harold's Chicken, has announced her unexpected passing at the age of 55. The news was shared via social media last week, though the family has chosen to keep the specific cause of death private during this difficult period.
A Legacy of Family Leadership
In a now-deleted social media post, the family expressed their profound sorrow, stating: 'We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our Chief Executive Officer. The family extends their sincere gratitude for the outpouring of prayers and condolences. At this time, we kindly ask that their privacy be respected during this time of bereavement.'
Pierce-Sherrod was the daughter of Harold Pierce, the visionary founder who, alongside his wife Hilda, launched the original restaurant in Chicago back in 1950. Initially named H&H, the establishment specialised in comforting dishes like dumplings and chicken feet. The story goes that a local butcher provided Harold with chicken, and using his own secret recipe, he created the fried chicken that would become legendary, eventually leading to the opening of Harold's Chicken Shack in the Kenwood neighbourhood.
Overcoming Barriers to Build an Empire
Her father's journey was one of remarkable perseverance. 'My father was a young Black man from the South with a dream,' Pierce-Sherrod told ABC 7 in a 2024 interview. 'He worked hard during a time when African Americans weren't capable of obtaining any businesses or funding. And his hard work paid off.'
Harold Pierce started the business out of sheer necessity during an era when many chain restaurants deliberately avoided Black neighbourhoods. Conversely, he faced significant legal and social obstacles that prevented expansion into more populated downtown areas. Despite these challenges, Harold's grew to become one of the few thriving Black-owned businesses in its community, a point of immense local pride.
Steering the Family Business for Decades
Kristen Pierce-Sherrod began co-managing the family enterprise with her mother in the year 2000 and served as its dedicated CEO for over two decades. 'I've been dealing with Harold's all my life,' she reflected in a 2022 video. Under her leadership, the company celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2024 and expanded its reach across eight states.
She was fiercely proud of the product and its Chicago roots. 'It's the best chicken around,' she declared in 2024. 'That's why we're so successful. The others can't compete 'cause they can't compare. It's a part of Chicago.' This cultural significance is underscored by the chain being name-checked by famous Chicago rappers like Chance the Rapper and Lupe Fiasco.
A Life Beyond the Restaurant
Beyond her role at Harold's, Pierce-Sherrod was also the CEO of the Chicago Children's Equestrian Center, an organisation she co-founded with her husband, Vincent Sherrod, in 2021. The centre is dedicated to helping children learn equestrian skills and fostering self-love.
Her father, Harold Pierce, passed away in 1988 from prostate cancer. The family has not released any further details regarding Kristen Pierce-Sherrod's passing, and The Daily Mail has reportedly reached out to Harold's Chicken for comment.
