The smell of fried chicken is taking over Oak Lawn at 4709 W. 95th Street.
Chicago favorite Harold’s Chicken opened June 2 in the former Cupid Candies space in Oak Lawn’s Green Oak Shopping Center, drawing lunch crowds and late-night regulars with its signature wings, catfish, and rib tips.
“Oak Lawn didn’t have anything exactly like this, so we wanted to bring it to the neighborhood,” said Antoine Washington, the Oak Lawn franchise owner. “The community response has been phenomenal.”
Washington, of Orland Park, runs five restaurants across the south suburbs.
He got his start managing Dunkin’ Donuts and Subway locations before opening his first Harold’s Chicken in Countryside eight years ago.
“The restaurant business has always been a huge part of my life,” Washington said. “I have worked in restaurants since I was 16 years old and consistently worked my way up.”
The Oak Lawn shop is one of several in Washington’s portfolio, which includes Harold’s Chicken and Sports Bar in Oak Forest, a Harold’s Chicken in Burnham, and two Steak and Hoagie Grill locations in Chicago and Lansing.
The Harold’s Chicken brand has deep Chicago roots.
The first Harold’s Chicken Shack opened 75 years ago at 47th Street and Kenwood Avenue, founded by the late Harold Pierce. Known for its crispy chicken, mild sauce and no-frills approach, Harold’s became a South Side staple — and for many, the king of Chicago fried chicken.
Harold’s now has 26 locations in Illinois and 23 more in nine states from California to North Carolina. Indiana has seven Harold’s and Georgia has five locations.
Washington recommends the wings.
“They are amazing,” he said.
Oak Lawn’s restaurant manager, Miguel Velasco, said opening a Harold’s in his hometown hits close to home.
“I was born in Oak Lawn and love the Oak Lawn community,” Velasco said. “It’s the perfect location for us.”
So far, the community response has been strong.
“We are always busy, and the customers are great,” Washington said.
The Oak Lawn Harold’s is open from 10 a.m. to 3 a.m. Monday through Wednesday, and until midnight Thursday through Sunday. The restaurant also offers catering and a food truck.
For more information, call 708-741-7907.