Harold’s Chicken Family Warns Consumers About Unauthorized Locations, Including Zion and Milwaukee

The family behind the original Harold’s Chicken Shack is urging customers to use caution after issuing a public statement claiming that several restaurants operating under the Harold’s name are not authorized or affiliated with Harold’s Chicken Corp.

In a letter addressed to supporters, the family thanked customers for their continued support following the recent passing of their mother before addressing what they described as “a serious issue that threatens our family’s legacy.”

According to the statement, there has been a rapid increase in locations operating without proper authorization or procedures. The family alleges that these restaurants have not received legitimate training or approval from Harold’s Chicken Corp. and do not meet the standards associated with the brand.

“We want to make it clear that these locations are not recognized or supported by us, and they do not meet the standards associated with our brand,” the family wrote. “As a result, we strongly advise our supporters and the public not to patronize these unauthorized businesses.”

The family also released a list of locations they say are not authorized or affiliated with Harold’s Chicken Corp. The locations identified include:

• Hobart, Indiana (7858 E. Ridge Rd.)
• Milwaukee, Wisconsin (5401 N. Lovers Lane Rd.)
• Chicago, Illinois (6051 S. Racine Ave.)
• Brooklyn, New York (9102 4th Ave.)
• Zion, Illinois
• Joliet, Illinois (1511 W. Jefferson St.)
• Chicago, Illinois (10210 S. Vincennes Ave.)
• South Holland, Illinois (1036 E. 162nd St.)
• Burnham, Illinois (2208 State St.)

In a separate public announcement, the family asked customers not to support the listed restaurants, stating they cannot guarantee the quality or authenticity of the food and service offered at those locations.

“We would hate for our supporters to spend their hard-earned money and not receive the authentic Harold’s Chicken experience our family has worked so hard to protect,” the announcement states.

The statement comes as the family says it is working to preserve the legacy of one of Chicago’s most recognizable Black-owned restaurant brands. They emphasized their commitment to protecting the Harold’s name and ensuring it continues to represent “quality, integrity, and authenticity.”

The announcement may be of particular interest to residents in Lake County, Illinois, and Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, as the family specifically identified locations in Zion and Milwaukee among those they say are operating without authorization.

The family has not publicly detailed any pending legal action regarding the identified locations. Consumers are encouraged to review the family’s statements and make informed decisions when choosing which Harold’s Chicken locations to patronize.