Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken Reports Record Growth, Plans Major Expansion
Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken announced record system sales of $235 million and plans to more than double its unit count by 2030 during its annual conference, signaling strong growth momentum for the nearly 60-year-old fried chicken chain.
Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken celebrated significant growth and outlined ambitious expansion plans during its annual conference, with system sales reaching $235 million in 2024 and 2025 tracking ahead of that milestone. The brand, which gathered more than 280 franchise owners, corporate leaders and business partners in St. Charles, Missouri, revealed plans to more than double its current unit count by 2030 while investing in modernization initiatives.
CEO Ryan Weaver opened the conference highlighting the brand's strong performance, noting the system now boasts an average unit volume of $1.85 million and is pushing toward a $2 million goal. The growth strategy includes significant rebranding efforts, with attendees visiting a recently remodeled St. Charles location that has seen an 8% sales lift and 7% traffic growth following renovations. These improvements demonstrate the tangible benefits of the brand's modernization strategy.
The conference featured industry experts including Danny Klein, VP Editorial Director of QSR Magazine, and Scott Greenberg, author and management trainer, who provided insights on leadership and thriving in competitive markets. Their presentations focused on strategic growth and operational excellence, reinforcing the brand's commitment to supporting franchisees in achieving business success.
A particularly meaningful moment came with the presence of Jack Omer and Katie Bennett, grandchildren of Lee's founders, whose attendance connected the brand's nearly 60-year heritage with its current growth trajectory. This combination of tradition and innovation was highlighted throughout the event as a key differentiator for the brand.
The conference culminated in an awards dinner recognizing outstanding operators who embody the brand's values. Emmett and Jenny Gamache received the Legacy Award for their decades of commitment to the Lee's brand and local community. NLM Enterprises LLC was named Operator of the Year for exceptional sales performance and operational excellence in the Detroit market, while Henry Loving of HTL Inc. received the Pacesetter Award for achieving over $6 million in annual sales at his Richmond, Virginia location.
Weaver emphasized the significance of the event, stating that the combination of heritage and momentum positions Lee's to achieve its boldest goals. The brand's growth trajectory and expansion plans reflect broader trends in the quick-service restaurant industry, where established brands with strong franchisee support systems are demonstrating resilience and growth potential. For more information about Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken, visit https://www.leesfamousrecipe.com.