Kristen Pierce-Sherrod, beloved ‘Harold’s Hen’ CEO, dies at 55
*Kristen Pierce-Sherrod, the CEO of the enduring Harold’s Hen Shack, has died at age 55. Her household confirmed the information on January 14, 2026, in a heartfelt assertion shared on-line. The reason for dying has not been publicly disclosed.
Pierce-Sherrod was the daughter of Harold Pierce, who based the legendary fried hen chain in 1950. She carried on his legacy whereas main the enterprise into a brand new period of growth and group engagement.
Assertion from household and group displays deep sorrow
The household’s official assertion, posted on social media, expressed “deep disappointment” and requested for privateness throughout this tough time. The announcement was made on behalf of Harold’s Hen Company and the Chicago Youngsters Equestrian Middle.
Pierce-Sherrod co-founded the equestrian middle together with her husband, Vincent Sherrod, in 2021. The nonprofit offers mentorship and equine-assisted remedy to at-risk youth throughout Chicago.
‘Harold’s Hen’ CEO expanded a Chicago legacy nationwide
Kristen Pierce-Sherrod performed a key function in increasing Harold’s Hen Shack to over 100 places throughout the US. She upheld her father’s licensing mannequin whereas modernizing operations and defending the model’s trademark.
The franchise is greatest recognized for its crispy fried hen, tangy gentle sauce, and community-centered method. Beneath her management, the chain grew past Chicago into cities like Atlanta, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Las Vegas.
Neighborhood honors Kristen Pierce-Sherrod’s lasting affect
Following the information of her passing, condolences poured in from throughout Chicago and past. Many acknowledged Pierce-Sherrod’s function in preserving a cultural landmark and provoking Black entrepreneurs.
She was praised not solely as a enterprise chief but additionally as a changemaker in the neighborhood. Her efforts with the equestrian middle had been highlighted as a serious contribution to underserved youth.
Historical past of Harold’s Hen: Born from necessity and resilience
The unique Harold’s Hen Shack was opened in 1950 on Chicago’s South Aspect. Harold Pierce, a former chauffeur from Alabama, created a enterprise that thrived in Black neighborhoods missed by main chains.
With assist from an area poultry store proprietor, he perfected a recipe that mixed fried hen, beef tallow, and signature sauces. The mannequin used low-cost licensing, permitting household and group members to open their very own outlets.
Signature flavors and elegance made Harold’s a cult favourite
Harold’s grew to become an area staple because of its distinctive choices. Prospects cherished the crinkle-cut fries, white bread, lemon pepper seasoning, and gizzards served behind bulletproof glass counters.
The chain’s signature gentle sauce and take-out-only format set it aside. It stays a beloved style of Chicago, usually referenced by native hip-hop artists like Kanye West, Likelihood the Rapper, and Frequent.
Kristen Pierce-Sherrod’s management introduced progress and stability
After her father’s passing in 1988, Kristen helped stabilize the model via trademark management and trendy licensing agreements. She grew to become the face of the enterprise within the twenty first century.
Her management was instrumental in maintaining the model related whereas defending its South Aspect roots. In 2025, Harold’s celebrated its seventy fifth anniversary, a milestone Pierce-Sherrod proudly marked.
Why Kristen Pierce-Sherrod’s legacy issues now greater than ever
Kristen Pierce-Sherrod stood on the intersection of tradition, entrepreneurship, and social change. Her work proved that Black-owned companies might thrive nationally with out shedding native identification.
Her sudden dying leaves a void in each the culinary and group improvement worlds. Because the Harold’s Hen household mourns, her story continues to encourage future generations.
“Kristen was greater than a CEO — she was the center of Harold’s. Her imaginative and prescient and compassion touched lives far past the kitchen,” mentioned one longtime worker in an announcement to native media.
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