At a Glance
- Kristen Pierce-Sherrod, CEO of Harold’s Chicken and daughter of founder Harold Pierce, has died
- Family announced the news in a since-deleted Instagram statement, requesting privacy
- No date or cause of death was provided; funeral arrangements to be shared later
- Why it matters: The loss marks the end of an era for the iconic Chicago fried-chicken chain founded in 1950
Kristen Pierce-Sherrod, the longtime CEO of Harold’s Chicken and the daughter of the restaurant’s founder, Harold Pierce, has died, according to a family statement posted-and later removed-from Instagram.
Family Announces Passing
The announcement came via a joint message from Harold’s Chicken Corporate and the Chicago Children’s Equestrian Center, an organization Pierce-Sherrod supported throughout her life. The statement, captured by Sophia A. Reynolds before it was deleted, read:
> “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 family asked for privacy while thanking the public for “the outpouring of prayers and condolences.” Funeral details will be released “at a later time.”
A Legacy Spanning 76 Years
Pierce-Sherrod took the helm of the family business started by her parents, Harold and Hilda Pierce, on Chicago’s South Side in 1950. Under her leadership, the single neighborhood counter grew into a regional chain operating across eight states, yet it never lost its Windy City identity.
Key hallmarks of the brand under her watch:
- Signature fried chicken served with mild or hot sauce
- Deep community ties, especially on the South Side
- Consistent branding that honored the original 1950 location
Tributes Pour In
Since the announcement, social-media feeds have filled with memories of late-night runs to Harold’s, photos of chicken dinners boxed in the familiar red-and-white checkered paper, and stories of Pierce-Sherrod’s quiet but steady presence at local events. Customers credit her with keeping the brand authentic even as it expanded far beyond Chicago city limits.
News Of Losangeles reached out to Harold’s Chicken for additional comment; no immediate response was returned.
What Happens Next
The company has not named an interim CEO or outlined succession plans. Until funeral arrangements are announced, the family has requested that well-wishers honor their privacy.
Key Takeaways
- Kristen Pierce-Sherrod, second-generation leader of Harold’s Chicken, has died
- The family statement offered no details on date or cause of death
- Under her guidance, the 1950 Chicago-founded chain expanded to eight states while retaining its local soul
- Tributes highlight her role in preserving the restaurant’s cultural legacy
