Beloved Chicken Shack Founder John Sobeck Has Died

The founder of a beloved metro Detroit fried chicken chain has died. Crain’s reports that John Sobeck, whose Chicken Shack restaurants celebrated their 60-year anniversary this summer, died August 13. He was 92.

His death was announced Saturday morning on the company’s Facebook page, stating that Sobeck passed away at his home in Berkley after a five-month battle with cancer. Sobeck was a WWII veteran and had recently celebrated his 69th wedding anniversary with his wife, Lola. “John also greatly influenced many of the past and present employees of Chicken Shack instilling in them a great work ethic and business foundation that has carried many of them to success today,” the company writes. “Customers, vendors, and all who met John will feel the loss of his kind spirit and endless generosity.”

Sobeck is survived by his wife, four children, four grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren. According to the obituary, the family is hosting a vigil at 7 p.m. at A.J. Desmond & Sons funeral home in Royal Oak. A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday at National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica in Royal Oak.

• Chicken Shack Founder John Sobeck Dies at 92 [Crain’s]
• John Sobeck Obituary [Official]