Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken Prepares for a Monumental Year
Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken, a brand renowned for its home-style fried chicken, is gearing up for an exceptional year ahead. With systemwide sales in 2024 surpassing $235 million and average unit volumes exceeding $1.8 million, the company's impressive performance sets a strong foundation as it looks toward 2025.
Significant Sales Momentum
As 2024 comes to a close, Lee's has demonstrated notable resilience in the competitive fast-food landscape. The company reported same-store sales increases of 1.4% year-to-date, with a significant overall growth that includes new unit openings, pushing the system upward by 4.2%. While many national competitors faced sales challenges, Lee's continued to bolster its customer traffic, showcasing a positive trajectory for the brand.
New Faces in Leadership
In order to support its continued growth, Lee's recently welcomed Meagan Kellogg as Vice President of Finance. With her extensive background in finance and a proven track record in the restaurant industry, Kellogg's presence is expected to fortify the company's financial operations, ensuring its robust infrastructure is ready for future expansion.
Additionally, Logan Sumner joined the team as Chief Development Officer. Sumner brings a wealth of experience in franchise growth, previously holding pivotal roles at Driven Brands. His expertise will be integral in nurturing franchise relationships and enhancing multi-unit operations at Lee's.
CEO Ryan Weaver expressed his enthusiasm regarding the new leadership, stating, "We are poised for an exciting new chapter with Meagan and Logan on board. With their leadership and expertise, we are setting up the Lee’s system to be prepared for the growth we are expecting to see." He added that the focus will remain on enhancing the brand's commitment to delivering quality products while exploring new opportunities for expansion.
Expanding the Brand's Reach
2024 marked an important milestone for Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken as the brand opened four new restaurants in Michigan. This is the highest number of new openings for the franchise in a single year in recent memory, underscoring the strength of its operator partnerships. Moreover, the reacquisition of 16 previously franchised locations further illustrates the brand's dedication to alignment and collaboration with its operators.
Weaver commented, "We are more committed than ever to supporting our franchise partners and ensuring that Lee's is positioned for sustainable growth. Our brand is not only on track for expansion, but we are also investing in our company-owned locations to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to our goals."
The Legacy of Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken
Having served delicious fresh, never frozen chicken for over 55 years, Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken has made its mark in the quick-service restaurant space. The franchise has been recognized consecutively as a top 10 Fast Food Fried Chicken by USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, establishing a solid reputation among consumers. Today, there are more than 130 locations across 12 U.S. states and Canada, most of which are individually owned and operated.
As they prepare for a prosperous future, Lee's remains committed to providing a quality product while fostering strong community ties. With dedicated leadership and a clear vision, Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken is set to elevate its presence and continue its legacy in the fast-food industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What financial plans does Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken have for 2025?
Lee's plans to focus on franchise and company-owned unit expansion, improving operational efficiencies, and menu innovation in 2025.
Who are the new executives at Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken?
Meagan Kellogg joined as Vice President of Finance, and Logan Sumner as Chief Development Officer.
What are Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken's recent sales trends?
Lee's reported notable sales growth, achieving a 1.4% increase in same-store sales year-to-date for 2024.
How many new restaurants did Lee's open in 2024?
Lee's opened four new restaurants in Michigan in 2024, marking its highest number of openings in a year.
What is Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken recognized for?
Lee's has been recognized as a top 10 Fast Food Fried Chicken by USA Today’s 10Best Readers' Choice Awards for two consecutive years.