Six months have passed since the death of Kristen Pierce-Sherrod, CEO of Harold’s Chicken Shack. The ownership of the iconic Chicago restaurant brand remains contested. Pierce-Sherrod’s five adult children argue that it is their birthright, supported by a disputed “will” that they believe outlines their mother’s intentions. Her daughter, Kasee Gill, expressed that their mother worked tirelessly to preserve her father’s legacy.
Legal Dispute Over the Will
Vincent Sherrod, Pierce-Sherrod’s widower, claims the will is fake and has engaged former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot as his legal representative. Sherrod contends that his wife intentionally chose to die without a will. The probate court in Will County is set to consider the matter, with a status hearing scheduled for later this month.
Pierce-Sherrod and Sherrod were married for over 14 years before her death. Sherrod was named her health care agent four months prior to her passing and gained guardianship weeks before she died. Kasee Gill claims this was done without the family’s knowledge. Sherrod’s spokesperson disputes the family’s claims, asserting that Sherrod is committed to preserving Pierce-Sherrod’s vision and legacy.
History of Harold’s Chicken Shack
Kristen Pierce-Sherrod took over the family business in 2000 from her father, Harold Pierce. Harold’s Chicken Shack became well-known for its signature crispy wings, fries, and “Mild Sauce.” As of late 2025, records indicate Sherrod and Pierce-Sherrod were involved with one “Harold’s”-related LLC. They also filed paperwork to establish VK Bond Investments LLC, which later conducted business as Harold’s Chicken 7.
Business Challenges and Expansion
Harold’s Chicken has faced challenges, with some independently owned locations closing due to tax issues. For instance, the Bronzeville location was shut by the Illinois Department of Revenue in 2024. Meanwhile, Original Harold’s Chicken of Nevada LLC declared bankruptcy in the same year. The Gill children are not officially tied to any Harold’s locations in Illinois.
The company originally started in 1950 and grew to have 20 locations by 1975. Today, there are reportedly 47 franchise locations nationwide. The Gill family has struggled with unauthorized Harold’s Chicken locations operating without permission, which Pierce-Sherrod worked to address with Lightfoot’s assistance.
Dispute Over Pierce-Sherrod’s Purported Will
After Pierce-Sherrod’s death, a “will” surfaced, bequeathing the Harold’s Chicken Shack brand to the Gill children. This led to a petition for probate in Will County. Sherrod, however, questions the authenticity of the will, noting its exclusion of him and certain family members. Lightfoot has accused the Gill children of misrepresenting their authority over the company.
The Gill children, through attorney Candace Hansford, assert that the will clearly assigns business interests to them. They accuse Sherrod of trying to take over the business while they were focused on caring for their mother. Structural changes in the business allegedly followed after Pierce-Sherrod’s death, further complicating the family dynamics.
Kyle Gill criticized Sherrod’s efforts to establish ownership, claiming that their mother held deep respect for her father’s legacy and would not have allowed Sherrod to override it. The outcome of the legal proceedings will determine the future direction of Harold’s Chicken Shack.