The popular Harold’s Chicken location has had to close after almost 30 years.
Yes, you’ve read that right… The beloved Harold’s Chicken#55 has closed down permanently. Harold’s moved out of its storefront at 100 W. 87th St. on August 3 following a dispute with the shopping center’s managers according to owner Percy Billings.
The popular fried chicken shop was one of the first to move to the outdoor mall back in 1992, it had been there for almost 30 years.
The iconic location was considered by many as the best Harold’s Chicken of all, often sparking debate among fans. But regardless of its ranking, the closure of the 87th street enclave has devastated many in the local community, including Chance the Rapper, a famous fan of the shop.
Its crazy I been sayin 87th got the best harolds my whole life and it took the mfs having to close down for yall to admit it smh
— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) August 12, 2020
For others it truly marked the end of an era…
My mom used to always cater from the Harolds on 87th back when she was at Chicago State. So many memories there. Damn shame 😩
— Momoh 🇸🇱 (@KingOfLeone) August 12, 2020
And even the end of the world itself!
Harolds Chicken 🐔 on 87th closed down for good the world coming to an end 🙁
— 🛸🚀 (@ChicityJr) August 13, 2020
Owner Billings said he’s not planning to open another location. “I’m not going to open up another one,” he told the Tribune. “I’m at the age where I don’t have the energy.” But he still won’t miss a day of work. “I have to work to keep my business right. I have to be there every day, seven days a week, I never took off a day.”
Fans of Harold’s Chicken #55 can rest easy, however. Even though their favorite location has closed, they can still get their Harold’s fix at Billing’s other location down the road. His Harold’s Chicken Express location on the other side of the Dan Ryan on 8653 S. State St still waits for fans to grab an order of three-piece wings fried hard with mild sauce!
[featured image: Yelp /Kenyetta S.]