The resultant recipe caused Pierce to open Harold's Chicken Shack at 47th and Greenwood in 1950.
He franchised the idea out to friends and family who opened additional Harold Chicken Shacks throughout Chicago.
Otherwise, Pierce did not interfere with the management of the stores, which led to deviations in the techniques, flavors, and qualities of the product as well as variations in the menu from one restaurant to another.
After retiring in the early 1980s, he moved to Beaverville, Illinois, where he indulged in a passion for raising hunting dogs.
His second wife, Willa, took over running the business and began expanding it outside of Chicago.