Harold Pierce facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Harold Pierce
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| Born | August 11, 1917 Midway, Alabama, United States
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| Died | March 8, 1988 (aged 70) Kankakee, Illinois, United States
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| Title | Founder of Harold's Chicken Shack |
Harold P. Pierce (born August 11, 1917 – died March 8, 1988) was a smart African-American businessman. He created the very popular Harold's Chicken Shack restaurant chain. These famous chicken restaurants started in Chicago, Illinois.
Contents
Harold P. Pierce: The Chicken King
Early Life and Big Dreams
Harold Pierce was born in Midway, Alabama. In 1943, he moved to Chicago from Freemanville, Alabama. He first worked as a driver for a furniture store owner. By 1950, Harold and his wife, Hilda, opened a small restaurant. It was called H & H and served dishes like chicken feet and dumplings.
Harold had a great idea for fried chicken. A friend named Gene Rosen owned a poultry shop nearby. Gene offered Harold some chickens to try out new recipes. Harold worked hard to perfect his fried chicken.
Starting Harold's Chicken Shack
In 1950, Harold opened his own restaurant. He called it Harold's Chicken Shack. The first location was at 47th and Greenwood in Chicago. People loved his special fried chicken recipe. It quickly became a popular spot.
Growing the Business
Harold wanted to share his delicious chicken with more people. He decided to let his friends and family open their own Harold's Chicken Shacks. This way of expanding a business is called franchising. Many new locations opened all over Chicago.
Harold had one main rule for his franchisees. They had to buy their chickens from his friend, Gene Rosen. Other than that, Harold let them run their restaurants their own way. This meant that each Harold's Chicken Shack might have slightly different flavors or menu items.
Later Years and Legacy
In the early 1980s, Harold decided to retire. He moved to Beaverville, Illinois. There, he enjoyed his hobby of raising hunting dogs. Harold Pierce passed away in Kankakee, Illinois in 1988.
After Harold's death, his second wife, Willa, took over the business. She helped Harold's Chicken Shack grow even more. Willa started opening restaurants outside of Chicago. Willa passed away on January 21, 2003. Harold Pierce's legacy continues with the many Harold's Chicken Shack restaurants today.
