FRANCHISE RESALES

Buy a Lee’s Famous Recipe Franchise

Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken is a quick-service restaurant franchise founded in 1966 by Lee Cummings, the nephew of KFC founder Colonel Harland Sanders. The brand specializes in home-style fried chicken, homestyle sides, and biscuits, offering a distinctive recipe developed by Cummings after KFC was sold in 1964. Lee’s began as “Harold’s Take-Home” in Lima, Ohio, before opening its first franchise in Columbus, Ohio, and expanding throughout the Midwest and beyond. Over the decades, the brand has changed ownership several times, most recently being acquired in 2021 by LFR Chicken, LLC, backed by Artemis Lane Partners, who are investing in revitalizing and expanding the franchise. Lee’s has a strong regional presence with over 150 locations and reported its highest sales year on record in 2023, surpassing $200 million in system-wide sales.

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Why buy a Lee’s Famous Recipe Franchise?

Investing in Lee’s offers entry into a heritage brand with a unique family recipe that stands out in the crowded fried chicken market. Backed by new ownership focused on expansion and modernization, franchisees gain access to a proven concept with strong sales momentum and comprehensive support. The brand’s emphasis on fresh, never-frozen chicken and homestyle sides appeals to customers seeking quality fast food, making Lee’s a compelling opportunity for franchisees aiming to grow in a resilient and popular segment.

Lee’s Famous Recipe Franchise Costs & Information

Based on 2024 data reported in the 2025 FDD

  • Brand Profile

    • Year Founded

      1966

    • Franchising Since

      2003

    • New Startup Cost

      $517,200 – $2,353,900

    • Avg. Resale Price

      Contact us for details

  • Franchise Fees

    • Initial franchise Fee

      $35,000

      for new territories

    • Transfer Fee

      50%

      of Initial Franchise Fee

    • Royalty Fee

      5%

      of Gross Sales

    • Marketing Fee

      3%

      of Gross Sales

  • Unit Performance

    • Total Units *

      126

    • New Units Opened *

      4

    • Units Transferred *

      1

    • Avg. Unit revenue *

      $1,757,037

    * Based on 2024 data reported in the 2025 FDD

Lee’s Famous Recipe – Additional  Information

  1. Training & Support

    Lee’s offers franchisees comprehensive support including site selection, training, marketing assistance, and operational guidance. The brand recently introduced a new restaurant prototype and updated branding to modernize its image and enhance growth. Franchisees benefit from proven operational systems and marketing partnerships designed to build customer loyalty and maximize profitability.

  2. Ideal Owner

    The ideal Lee’s franchisee is an experienced restaurant operator or entrepreneur passionate about quality food and customer service. They should have the financial capacity to invest in new or remodeled locations and be committed to maintaining the brand’s home-style cooking standards. Strong operational and marketing skills are important to capitalize on growth opportunities.

  3. Recognition & Awards

    Lee’s is recognized for its heritage as a family recipe brand with a loyal customer base and steady sales growth. It ranked #430 in the 2025 Entrepreneur Franchise 500, reflecting its solid franchise reputation.

  4. Industry / Market

    The fried chicken quick-service restaurant (QSR) market remains highly competitive but continues to grow, driven by consumer demand for quality, flavorful fast food. Lee’s focus on fresh, never-frozen chicken and homestyle recipes differentiates it in this expanding segment. Recent large-scale development deals, such as a 12-unit expansion in Michigan, underscore the brand’s growth momentum.

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