Herman Petty's Dream: The Struggles of the First Black American to Own a McDonald's
Summary
This episode explores the history of Herman Petty, the first Black McDonald’s franchisee, and his pivotal role in reshaping the fast-food industry in 1968. Hosts Jacob Goldstein and Robert Smith discuss how Petty’s acquisition of a run-down Chicago location challenged corporate norms and sparked a broader movement for Black ownership. The narrative covers the economic barriers of franchising, the impact of Nixon’s “Black Capitalism” policies, and the rise of the National Black McDonald’s Operators Association. Additionally, the show examines the evolution of marketing through Tom Burrell’s …
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