Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken Fuels Multi-unit Growth With Legacy Partner

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SHALIMAR, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb 10, 2026--

Lee's Famous Recipe ® Chicken, the classic home-style fried chicken brand celebrating 60 years of famous flavor, is marking its milestone year by deepening its partnership with franchisee Jack Omer, grandson of Lee’s co-founder Harold Omer. Omer has acquired five existing Lee’s restaurants across Indiana, building on six decades of family heritage while helping shape the brand’s next era of growth.

The acquisition strengthens Omer’s multi-generational connection to Lee’s, a relationship that began in Lima, Ohio, in 1966, when Lee Cummings and Harold Omer opened the brand’s first restaurant, known as Harold’s Take Home. The brand has since grown into a trusted regional favorite, famous for its fresh, never frozen chicken and hearty sides. Now, with more than 130 locations, the brand’s 60th year marks a renewed focus on the next generation of owners.

Omer’s acquisition includes locations in Connersville, Muncie, and Richmond, Indiana, which are in the design phase for remodels that will modernize to current brand standards. The transformations will enhance guest experience and reflect the brand’s continued investment in local communities, team members, and the long-term performance of its restaurants. This latest purchase builds on Omer’s earlier transaction, which acquired the Lee’s location in New Castle, Indiana. Together, these moves demonstrate strong confidence in the brand’s unit economics and scalable growth model.

“Jack represents both where Lee’s has come from and where it’s headed," said Ryan Weaver, CEO of Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken. “He’s part of the brand's founding family, and he’s approaching growth with a modern, multi-unit mindset of reinvesting, remodeling and expanding in markets that love Lee’s. His commitment reflects the power of our franchise system and the strong foundation our 60 year legacy provides.”

In addition to in-system mergers and acquisitions, Lee’s offers proven operators multiple avenues to scale, including new restaurant development and flexible conversion opportunities. Omer is actively leveraging all three growth strategies, demonstrating the brand’s adaptable and franchisee-friendly approach to expansion.

“Having grown up with Lee’s as part of my family’s story, I’ve seen firsthand how the brand has evolved while staying true to its roots,” said Jack Omer, franchisee of Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken. “As a third-generation, it’s meaningful to build on my family’s history. I’m excited to build on the momentum and bring this brand to more communities so others can experience the quality food and service that have defined Lee’s for generations.”

Interested in joining the Famous Family? Learn more about franchising opportunities at www.leesfamousrecipe.com/franchise. For more information about Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken, visit www.leesfamousrecipe.com or follow them on Facebook or Instagram.

About Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken

For 60 years, Lee’s Famous Recipe ® Chicken, a quick service franchise founded in Lima, Ohio, has specialized in fresh, never frozen chicken. Lee’s has been recognized for three years in a row as a top 10 Fast Food Fried Chicken by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Award. Today, there are more than 130 Lee’s Famous Recipe ® Chicken locations in 12 U.S. states and in Canada, most are individually owned and operated. For additional information, please visit LeesFamousRecipe.com.

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KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA OHIO INDIANA FLORIDA

INDUSTRY KEYWORD: RETAIL RESTAURANT/BAR FOOD/BEVERAGE

SOURCE: Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken

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PUB: 02/10/2026 08:27 AM/DISC: 02/10/2026 08:27 AM

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