Six months after the passing of Harold’s Chicken Shack CEO Kristen Pierce-Sherrod, questions about the ownership of the iconic Chicago restaurant chain persist. Her five adult children believe the brand is their birthright, bolstered by a contested ‘will’ that they assert outlines their mother’s final wishes. Kasee Gill, one of Pierce-Sherrod’s daughters, stated, ‘This is our brand, our everything—our mom worked for many years to ensure her father’s legacy thrives.’
Pierce-Sherrod’s widower, Vincent Sherrod, disputes the authenticity of this ‘will,’ which surfaced two months post her death, and has hired former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot to argue it is a forgery. Sherrod contends that his wife intentionally chose to die without a will. The resolution may rest in the hands of a Will County probate judge, with a status hearing scheduled soon.
Court records show Pierce-Sherrod and her husband shared over 14 years of marriage before her passing on January 11. Sherrod became her ‘health care agent’ four months before she died, and just weeks later, a judge granted him guardianship. Lightfoot asserts in court filings that Sherrod filed for guardianship without the family’s awareness.
In response, a spokesperson for Sherrod emphasized his unwillingness to engage in litigation, stating, ‘The last thing Mr. Sherrod needs is to be embroiled in litigation because he loved his wife and works hard to preserve her vision and legacy.’ Sherrod’s closure statement reflects his commitment to unveiling the truth through ongoing litigation.
Pierce-Sherrod took over the company in 2000 from her father, founder Harold Pierce, successfully maintaining its reputation for crispy wings, fries, and the famous ‘Mild Sauce.’ Despite financial struggles and various claims on the business, Harold’s Chicken continues to be a prominent figure in Black entrepreneurship. The family encountered issues with unauthorized locations using the brand’s name, with efforts to clamp down ongoing.
Recent records indicate Sherrod and Pierce-Sherrod established VK Bond Investments LLC before her demise, with the business registered to a property she purchased in Flossmoor, encumbered by a $28,000 lien due to maintenance issues. The family’s home also entered foreclosure, although the occupants’ current status is unknown.
Shortly after Pierce-Sherrod’s funeral, the Gill family met with Sherrod and Lightfoot, but no agreement on the business operation emerged. Subsequently, Harold’s Chicken 7 was licensed to operate in Markham. As disputes continue regarding the authenticity of the will, the adult Gill children claim attempts were made to mislead business partners and franchisees.
In March, Pierce-Sherrod’s will surfaced, suggesting the bequeathment of the brand to her children, excluding Sherrod and two younger siblings. Lightfoot questioned the will’s authenticity due to its exclusion of Sherrod and deficiencies impacting its probate acceptance. She alleges posthumous disruptions to the business, attributed to the Gill children, who misrepresented their control over the company.
Legal battles ensue as the Gill children assert their inheritance rights, with petitions filed to probate the will. They counter the narrative by emphasizing their caring role during Pierce-Sherrod’s illness while criticizing Sherrod’s maneuvering for business control. They stand firm on their belief that Sherrod’s actions oppose their late mother’s intentions and undermine family integrity.
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