Ownership Controversy
Six months following the death of Harold’s Chicken Shack CEO Kristen Pierce-Sherrod, ownership of the famed Chicago brand is in question. Pierce-Sherrod’s five adult children claim ownership, citing a contested “will” they assert reflects their mother’s final wishes.
Pierce-Sherrod’s daughter, Kasee Gill, stated, “This is our brand, our everything — our mom worked for many, many years to make sure that her father’s legacy thrives.”
However, her widower, Vincent Sherrod, has engaged former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot as his attorney to argue the will is fraudulent. Sherrod contends that his wife chose to die intestate, without a will.
A Will County probate judge may soon decide the fate of Harold’s Chicken Shack. A status hearing is scheduled for later this month.
Marriage and Guardianship
Pierce-Sherrod and Sherrod were married for over 14 years before her passing in January. Sherrod was appointed her health care agent four months prior, and weeks before her death, he gained guardianship. Lightfoot, representing Sherrod, noted in court that Sherrod was recognized as her guardian as part of the guardianship petition, supported by a physician’s report that Pierce-Sherrod was incapable of making decisions.
The Gill children allege Sherrod sought guardianship without informing the family.
Business and Legal Turmoil
The family’s business discussions with Sherrod soon after Pierce-Sherrod’s burial led to no agreement. Sherrod continued operations, founding VK Bond Investments LLC, which initiated trading under the Harold’s Chicken name in Markham, Illinois.
License records reveal several Harold’s Chicken locations have shuttered due to compliance issues, while non-compliant outlets beyond Illinois have operated illegally under the Harold’s name.
Legal Proceedings
Following Pierce-Sherrod’s death, a purported will surfaced. Filed in Cook County, the document bequeaths the brand to her children. The will emphasizes ensuring the family business stays protected from external claims.
The Gill siblings seek probate approval, with Lightfoot challenging the will’s validity. She suggests Sherrod was intentionally left out and contests the will’s completeness for probate acceptance.
Family Disagreements
According to Lightfoot, the Gill siblings sought payments to personal accounts, disrupting business operations. However, Sherrod refrained from involving law enforcement during his grieving period.
The Gill children accuse Sherrod of covertly maneuvering for control during Pierce-Sherrod’s hospital stay. Kyle Gill claimed requests to franchisees left them confused about the company’s leadership.
Gill further noted that their mother respected her father’s legacy too much to give Sherrod a formal role in the business.