The Chicago-based chain operates two locations in the state and 46 total restaurants throughout eight states
Original Harold’s Chicken of Nevada LLC III has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the District of Nevada. The company operates two locations in the state, one in North Las Vegas, and one in Henderson.
According to court documents, the company lists $40,000 in debt owed to Bitty Advance and Bridge 33 Capital LLC. No assets are listed in its petition and the company did not specify a reason for filing. The company also indicated that no funds are available for distribution to unsecured creditors after administrative expenses are paid.
Harold’s Chicken Shack was founded in the South Side of Chicago by Harold Pierce in 1950, specializing in dumplings and chicken feet. According to the company, the concept developed out of necessity as large quick-service chains didn’t have much of a presence in African American neighborhoods at the time.
The chain has since expanded its menu to include fish, shrimp, livers, gizzards, sandwiches, salads, and wraps. It has also expanded its footprint, with 46 locations listed on its website, a majority of which are in Illinois. In addition to Nevada, the chain has also expanded to Texas, Missouri, Indiana, Georgia, California, and Arizona. In 2021, Eat This, Not That! named Harold’s as the most beloved fast-food chain in Illinois. Last year, Harold’s was No. 15 in Nation’s Restaurant News’ 100 Under 100 feature highlighting the fastest-growing chains with less than 100 locations. From 2022 to 2023, the company grew its unit count by 25%.
Harold’s Chicken’s chief executive officer Kristen Pierce is the daughter of founder Harold Pierce and is listed as the authorized signatory on the Original Harold’s Chicken of Nevada petition.
This marks the latest Chapter 11 filling in a busy year for such activity. Bankruptcy filings have come from concepts big and small, including Red Lobster, BurgerFi, Tijuana Flats, Roti, Hawkers Asian Street Food, Bucca di Beppo, World of Beer Bar & Kitchen, Tender Greens and Tocaya, Melt Bar & Grill, Rubio’s Coastal Grill, Sticky Fingers, Boxer Ramen, Oberweis Dairy, Foxtrot/Dom’s Kitchen, franchisees for Arby’s, Pizza Hut, and Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, and more.
Contact Alicia Kelso at [email protected]
