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- Founded in 2003
- Franchising Since 2005
- 106 US Franchises
- $1,228,100 - $2,049,400 Investment Range
- $1,779,930 Average Gross Revenue
- 4% - 6% Royalty Fee
- $35,000 Franchise Fee
Use the Pre-qualification tool to see how much funding you could qualify for and see if you can affor a Lee’s Famous Recipe franchise.
Get pre-qualified for financingTake our Fit Score survey to see if Lee’s Famous Recipe is a good match for you.
Lee's Famous Recipe is a beloved quick-service restaurant chain specializing in premium fried chicken that has been delighting customers across America with its signature flavors and family-friendly atmosphere. Known for their secret recipe seasoning and commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients, Lee's has established itself as a formidable competitor in the fast-casual dining sector.
The menu features an array of crowd-pleasing options, including their famous original and spicy chicken, enormous hand-breaded chicken tenders, and classic Southern sides like creamy mac and cheese, potato wedges, and freshly-baked buttermilk biscuits. Their unique offerings extend to customer favorites such as chicken livers and gizzards, setting them apart from traditional fast-food chains.
What truly distinguishes Lee's Famous Recipe is their dedication to consistent quality and exceptional customer service. Their food is cooked to order, ensuring that every piece of chicken is served hot, fresh, and perfectly crispy. The franchise has cultivated a loyal customer base through their commitment to maintaining the perfect balance between quick service and home-style cooking.
Lee's Famous Recipe restaurants have become community fixtures, known for their family-friendly environment and ability to handle both individual meals and large catering orders with equal expertise. Their value-oriented pricing strategy and generous portions have helped establish them as a go-to destination for family dinners, group gatherings, and casual dining occasions.
For entrepreneurs seeking a proven business model in the food service industry, Lee's Famous Recipe offers a concept that combines time-tested recipes with modern operational efficiency.
How much does it cost to start a franchise with Lee’s Famous Recipe?
- Franchise Fee
- $35,000
- Investment Range
- $1,228,100 - $2,049,400
- Investment Midpoint
- $1,638,750
- Minimum Cash Required
- $1,228,100
- Royalty Fees
- 4% - 6%
- Brand Fund
- 2%
The fried chicken segment benefits from consistent consumer demand for comfort food and family dining experiences, though faces intensifying competition from both established chains and emerging fast-casual concepts. Lee's 20-year operational history since 2003 demonstrates system stability, while its 123-unit footprint indicates measured growth rather than aggressive expansion. This moderate scale suggests selective market development and potentially stronger unit economics.
The franchise system's maturity provides operational refinement and proven business processes, though the smaller network may limit brand recognition compared to national competitors. The reported gross revenue of $1.78M substantially exceeds the sub-sector average of $943K, indicating strong unit-level performance potential.
Ideal investors should possess liquid capital exceeding $500K and restaurant industry experience, given the operational complexity of counter-service chicken concepts. The premium investment level suits established operators seeking proven systems with strong unit economics. Multi-unit development opportunities may exist in underserved markets, though territory availability requires careful evaluation.
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Financing Details
Franzy connects you with top-tier financing partners to help secure the funds to invest in a franchise like Lee’s Famous Recipe. Whether you're looking for a loan or exploring other financial products, our partners provide expert guidance to ensure you obtain the necessary capital. They specialize in offering solutions tailored to the needs of franchisees, making the process of securing financing smooth and straightforward.
Why Financing with Franzy Partners?
Choosing to finance through Franzy's partners ensures you get the best terms and support for your franchise investment. Our partners have extensive experience in the franchising industry and offer specialized financial solutions tailored to your needs. With competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options, you can find the right financing plan that fits your budget and goals. Our partners are committed to providing personalized guidance throughout the financing process, making it easier for you to secure the necessary funds and confidently move forward with your franchise venture.
Finance Partners
The franchise's geographic footprint suggests a strategic focus on markets with lower competition from national chicken chains, while maintaining strong presence in mid-sized cities and suburban areas. This positioning has allowed Lee's to build loyal customer bases in regional clusters, particularly in Ohio's secondary markets. The concentration of units in contiguous states indicates effective supply chain management and brand recognition within these regions.
Expansion opportunities exist in adjacent states like Illinois and Tennessee, where the brand's Midwest reputation could facilitate market entry. Ideal locations typically feature high visibility sites in areas with median household incomes between $45,000-$75,000, strong daytime population, and proximity to retail corridors. New franchisees should focus on markets with demonstrated success in similar quick-service concepts and limited direct competition in the premium chicken segment.
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Track Growth to Gauge Success!
See how this franchise is expanding over time. The net unit growth reveals the health and popularity of the brand—key indicators for a promising investment.
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Executive Team
Get to know the leadership behind Lee’s Famous Recipe. Learn about the experience and expertise of the executive team guiding Lee’s Famous Recipe's success. For more details, refer to Item 2 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
Litigation
Review any legal actions or pending litigation involving Lee’s Famous Recipe. Understanding the legal history helps assess potential risks and the brand's business practices. For more details, refer to Item 3 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
Bankruptcy
Review Lee’s Famous Recipe's bankruptcy history and any filings by key personnel or affiliates. This critical information provides transparency about the brand's financial stability and management. For more details, refer to Item 4 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
Franchisor Assistance
Learn about Lee’s Famous Recipe's comprehensive support system for franchisees, including initial training programs and continuous operational assistance. Understanding the available resources and support structure is crucial for franchise success. For more details, refer to Item 11 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).
The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that is publicly available and that we have on record, which was issued in 2024. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. For the most current and detailed information, we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.
- Founded in 2003
- Franchising Since 2005
- 106 US Franchises
- $1,228,100 - $2,049,400 Investment Range
- $1,779,930 Average Gross Revenue
- 4% - 6% Royalty Fee
- $35,000 Franchise Fee
Use the Pre-qualification tool to see how much funding you could qualify for and see if you can affor a Lee’s Famous Recipe franchise.
Get pre-qualified for financingTake our Fit Score survey to see if Lee’s Famous Recipe is a good match for you.
