Kristen Pierce-Sherrod, 55, CEO of Harold’s Chicken and daughter of founder Harold Pierce, has died, her family announced. The family asked for privacy and said funeral arrangements will be announced later; no date or cause of death has been released. An Instagram notice on behalf of Harold’s Chicken Corporate and the Chicago Children’s Equestrian Center confirmed her passing but was later deleted. Pierce-Sherrod led the Chicago-born chain as it expanded to multiple states while preserving its strong community ties.
Harold’s Chicken CEO and Heiress Kristen Pierce-Sherrod Dies at 55 — Family Asks for Privacy
ABC 7 Chicago/YouTubeKristen Pierce-Sherrod, CEO of Harold's Chicken.
Kristen D. Pierce-Sherrod, the chief executive officer of Harold’s Chicken and the daughter of founder Harold Pierce, has died at age 55, her family announced. The family requested privacy and said funeral arrangements will be announced later; no date or cause of death was provided.
“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 notice read. “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.”
The brief notice was posted to Instagram on behalf of Harold’s Chicken Corporate and the Chicago Children’s Equestrian Center — an organization Pierce-Sherrod supported closely — and the post was later deleted. The company has not released further details, and People magazine reported that the outlet reached out to Harold’s Chicken for comment.
Interim Archives/GettyView of the pedestrians lined up at a Harold's Chicken food truck parked on South Clark Street (between Monroe and Adams streets), Chicago, Illinois, October 2016.
Her Role and Legacy
Pierce-Sherrod had led Harold’s Chicken, one of Chicago’s most enduring and widely recognized food institutions, carrying forward a family legacy that began in 1950. Her parents, Harold and Hilda Pierce, opened the first Harold’s Chicken as a small neighborhood eatery on Chicago’s South Side. Under her leadership, the brand expanded into a regional chain while remaining strongly tied to Chicago neighborhoods and culture.
Today Harold’s Chicken operates locations across eight states and is best known for its fried chicken served with a signature mild or hot sauce. Supporters and community members have credited Pierce-Sherrod with preserving the company’s distinctive local character while guiding its growth.
Community Response
Tributes and condolences have poured in from customers, community leaders and fans of the chain, many praising Pierce-Sherrod for protecting her family’s business and its place in Chicago culture. The family asked that the community respect their privacy as they grieve; funeral arrangements will be shared when available.
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