West Side Community Celebrates 100th Birthday of Uncle Remus Co-Founder with Foundation Launch
Gus Rickette Sr., co-founder of Uncle Remus Saucy Fried Chicken, celebrated his 100th birthday on the West Side of Chicago with a motorcade, a food giveaway, and the launch of the Uncle Remus Foundation. The foundation aims to support entrepreneurship,…

Chicago, IL, August 11, 2026 —
Chicago’s West Side buzzed with activity as residents gathered to celebrate a significant milestone: the 100th birthday of Gus Rickette Sr., a co-founder of the beloved local eatery, Uncle Remus Saucy Fried Chicken.
The centennial celebration, held on the West Side, was marked by a vibrant motorcade that paraded through the community, bringing well-wishes and festive energy. Following the motorcade, a food giveaway was organized, providing meals to residents and further embodying the spirit of community that Rickette Sr. has long championed.
A key highlight of the day was the official launch of the Uncle Remus Foundation. This new initiative is dedicated to fostering positive change within the West Side community. According to the information provided, the foundation’s core objectives include supporting entrepreneurship, addressing hunger relief, and driving community development initiatives.
Gus Rickette Sr.’s 100 years mark not only a personal achievement but also a moment to recognize his contributions to the local business landscape through Uncle Remus Saucy Fried Chicken. The establishment of the Uncle Remus Foundation signals a commitment to continuing that legacy by investing in the future of the West Side and its residents.
Further details regarding the specific programs and operational scope of the Uncle Remus Foundation were not provided at the time of this report.
Story summarized from the original created by Charles Thrush on blockclubchicago.org, see more information here.