Gus Rickette Sr. Turns 100 | Chicago News

At 100, Gus Rickette Sr. — the legendary founder of Uncle Remus Saucy Fried Chicken — turned his birthday into a West Side celebration unlike any other: a roaring motorcade, a massive food giveaway, and the launch of his new foundation to fight hunger and empower local entrepreneurs. Rising from poverty in Mississippi, serving in WWII, and opening his first chicken joint in ’62, Rickette found his calling in ’68 with the original Uncle Remus on Madison Street — a community hub that fed the Black Panther Party and birthed Chicago’s iconic mild sauce. Now, his family carries on his legacy through the Uncle Remus Foundation, supporting small businesses and feeding families — especially during the holidays. Even as storms rolled in, the party went on, and at 100, Rickette’s still dreaming big — even penning his first song. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/de62e4e0541ee5c0