Herman Petty's Dream: The Struggles of the First Black American to Own a McDonald's
Podcast: Business HistoryPublished On: Wed Sep 16 2026
Description: Herman Petty was a Chicago barber and bus driver who dreamed of running his own business. When his local McDonald's restaurant was abandoned in 1968, Herman approached the company and said he should be the first black American to be given a hamburger franchise. Herman and other black pioneers faced unique problems running McDonald's in America's inner cities - but their businesses soon flourished and they fought to make the burger giant listen to its black franchisees and customers. Write to us at businesshistory@pushkin.fmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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