Herb Lotman, Chicken McNugget inventor and Philly sports angel, R.I.P.
Died at 80
Herb Lotman, the self-described "West Philly butcher boy" who built Keystone Foods (first in South Philly, later in the western suburbs) into a major McDonald's supplier and the developer of the Chicken McNugget, and later sold it to private equity investors and Brazil's Marfrig Alimentos to concentrate on backing sports, medical, cultural and kids' causes, has died, age 80. The family posted a full-page death notice in today's Philadelphia Inquirer. L
Lotman's innovations made him a wealthy: pioneer protein recycler; or junk food merchant, depending on your food perspective. His particular good works included: backing the Macula Vision Research foundation, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, the LPGA/Ronald McDonald House effort, Dad Vail Regatta (when it was going to leave the Schuykill for Jersey), Overbrook High School basketball team, Prince Music Theater.
More on Herb Lotman from the Meat Industry Hall of Fame here.