At a Glance
- Kristen Pierce-Sherrod, CEO of Harold’s Chicken and daughter of founder Harold Pierce, has died.
- Her family announced the news via a now-deleted Instagram statement and asked for privacy.
- Funeral arrangements will be shared later; no date or cause of death was provided.
- Why it matters: The second-generation leader guided the 1950-founded Chicago chain as it expanded across eight states while keeping its hometown identity.
Kristen Pierce-Sherrod, the CEO of Harold’s Chicken and daughter of the restaurant’s founder Harold Pierce, has died, her family announced in a brief statement released through social media.
Family Announcement
The news first appeared in a since-deleted Instagram post shared on behalf of Harold’s Chicken Corporate and the Chicago Children’s Equestrian Center, an organization Pierce-Sherrod supported closely.
“On behalf of Harold’s Chicken Corporate and the Chicago Children Equestrian Center, we are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our Chief Executive Officer, Kristen D. Pierce-Sherrod,” the statement read, per a CBS News report cited by Daniel J. Whitman.
“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.”
No further details-such as date, location, or cause of death-were included. Relatives stated that funeral arrangements would be announced “at a later time.” News Of Losangeles reached out to Harold’s Chicken for additional comment; none has been provided so far.
A Legacy Spanning 75 Years
Pierce-Sherrod stood at the helm of one of Chicago’s most recognizable food institutions. Her parents, Harold and Hilda Pierce, opened the first Harold’s Chicken in 1950 as a modest neighborhood storefront on the city’s South Side. Over seven decades the brand evolved from that single counter into a regional chain operating in eight states, yet it never shed its Chicago roots.
Under Pierce-Sherrod’s leadership the company balanced growth with tradition:
- Signature fried chicken paired with mild or hot sauce remained the menu anchor.
- Franchises adopted the familiar red-and-white color scheme and vintage signage.
- Local community ties-youth sponsorships, charity events, urban artwork partnerships-stayed central to the brand identity.
Customers often cited the chain’s cultural authenticity as a key draw, crediting the CEO for safeguarding that appeal while steering expansion.
Tributes Pour In
Since the family’s announcement, social-media feeds have filled with memories:
- Longtime patrons posted photos of decades-old receipts and yellowing paper bags stamped with the classic logo.
- Musicians referenced Harold’s in lyrics, thanking Pierce-Sherrod for keeping late-night locations open after studio sessions.
- Community organizers recalled her quiet funding of youth programs, including the equestrian center that co-released the death notice.
One South-Side customer wrote, “Harold’s isn’t just food; it’s Chicago history. Kristen made sure that history stayed alive.”
Corporate Stability Going Forward
Company spokespeople have not outlined succession plans. Harold’s Chicken operates both corporate-owned and franchised locations; day-to-day managers are expected to maintain normal hours while the board determines next steps. Industry observers note that family-owned restaurant groups often rely on long-standing operational playbooks, giving the chain a buffer during leadership transitions.
Key Takeaways
- Kristen Pierce-Sherrod, second-generation leader of Harold’s Chicken, has died; details remain private.
- She guided the 1950-founded Chicago chain from local favorite to multi-state brand without sacrificing hometown authenticity.
- Funeral plans will be released later; the family requested continued respect for their privacy.
