Founder of Beloved SoCal Comfort Food Chain Dies At 98

PLACENTIA, CA — The founder of a well-loved SoCal staple has passed away, after Polly's Pies announced that Harvey Edward "Eddie" Sheldrake died on Thursday, May 8 at the age of 98.

"His vision and leadership laid the foundation for what Polly's has become today — a beloved community staple for more than 55 years," a statement from his company's public relations team said.

The Los Angeles native made his mark at UCLA for his basketball prowess before transitioning into the restaurant world.

"A fiery little guard on the early John Wooden teams of 1949-50-51, Eddie was captain of the UCLA team during his senior season," according to the UCLA Bruins Hall of Fame website. "Eddie was named to the 1951 All-Conference team and was twice named to the 'Little All-American' team."

He was inducted into the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame in 2000, according to the website.

The first Polly's Pies was founded by Sheldrake and his brother, Donald, in 1968. The restaurant's debut came shortly after the Sheldrake brothers opened the first free-standing California Kentucky Fried Chicken in Belmont Shore.

The brothers worked to build out both brands over the next 55 years, establishing Polly's Pies locations in LA County, Orange County and the Inland Empire.