Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken
Food: Quick-Service Restaurants → Chicken
Own a Famous Recipe Franchise
Serve hand-breaded, honey-dipped chicken with a brand loved since 1966.
Average Gross Sales$2.13mmfrom the brand’s own disclosures
Total units127from the brand’s own disclosures
Brand overview
Loved since 1966, Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken has grown to over 130 restaurants across the Midwest, Southeast, and Mid-Atlantic. The brand stays true to its original product: honey-dipped, hand-breaded, pressure-cooked chicken made fresh in every location. Guests return for the craveable sides, iced tea, and biscuits, making every restaurant a community staple rooted in flavor and hospitality.
Availability
We are currently accepting inquiries in these states:
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Why choose
Lee's offers 60 years of brand recognition and a loyal customer base. Franchisees can choose between cost-efficient second-generation conversions, which cost roughly half and open faster, or premium new-build locations. Strong unit economics drive average gross sales of $2.13mm with a 17.1% 4-wall EBITDAR, while the top third averages $2.8mm in gross sales with 20.8% EBITDAR. Over 1,500 identified whitespace trade areas are available, and exterior remodels yield proven sales lifts averaging 60% higher gross sales compared to un-remodeled locations.
Revenue Potential & Investment Requirements
Average Gross Sales
$2.13mm
Some outlets have earned this amount. Your individual results may differ. There is no assurance that you'll earn as much. Please see Item 19 of Lee's 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document for more details
- Total investment
- $641,000–$2,600,000
- Franchise fee
- $35,000
- Cash Required
- $750,000
- Net worth
- $1,500,000
Growth Trends
Training & support
Franchisees receive direct, operator-to-operator access to the development team, along with the franchise brief and Item 19 summary. The development team quickly screens existing QSR sites against Lee's trade-area criteria within two weeks, ensuring your location has the best chance for success from day one.
Ideal candidate
Lee's is seeking experienced QSR operators looking to expand their portfolios. Ideal candidates are those who already own existing QSR real estate suitable for a second-generation conversion, allowing them to open faster and maximize cost efficiencies while leveraging their industry expertise.