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222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza
Chicago, IL, 60654

312-380-9883

Chicago's honorary brown street signs, days, and commemorative honors; the who, what, where, when and why.  Honorary Chicago guide book, maps, biographies, history, trivia, tours, and gifts.

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Filtering by Tag: Woodlawn

Herman Petty

Linda Zabors

Herman Petty was a pioneer and the first black owner of a McDonald’s franchise in the United States. It is located at Stony Island and Marquette Road in the Woodlawn neighborhood. On December 21, 1968, it became the first of eight McDonald’s franchises he would own. Herman became a McDonald’s Millionaire and paved the way for others to follow in economic success and community rebuilding. With the help of special field consultants, by the end of 1969 there were twelve black owned McDonalds.

In 1968 it was a neighborhood in turmoil following the April 4th assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Riots erupted on the South side of Chicago. Herman, was well acquainted with the neighborhood and everyone in it, since he had the barbershop down the street. This was key to resolving gang and loitering issues.

Herman previously worked as a barber and as a bus driver for the Chicago Transit Authority. He had no previous experience in franchise ownership or restaurants. In 1970 he founded the National Black McDonald’s Operators Association, there are now more that 330 black franchise owners.

The current owner of the location marked the 40th anniversary of the historic opening with a mural, markers, and timeline to commemorate the achievement for the community. The 5oth anniversary was in 2018. The location is within walking distance of the Obama Presidential Library Center.

Alumnus:
Hamburger University


Honorary Herman Petty Way

East Marquette Road.; between South Stony Island Avenue and to South Dorchester Avenue

 

Approved: February 2022

Ward: 5
Alderman: Hairston
Neighborhood: Woodlawn


d. March 21, 2009


Source

https://chicagocrusader.com/local-news/a-crusader-special-feature/

https://nbmoa.org/our-history/

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