Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken gathered more than 280 franchise owners, corporate leaders and business partners for its annual Lee's Family Reunion at the Ameristar Casino Resort Spa in St. Charles, Missouri. The event highlighted the brand's substantial growth trajectory and strategic expansion plans for the coming years.
CEO Ryan Weaver opened the conference by announcing record-breaking financial performance, with 2024 system sales reaching $235 million and 2025 tracking ahead of that milestone. The brand currently boasts an average unit volume of $1.85 million and is pushing toward a $2 million goal. These figures demonstrate the brand's strong market position and operational efficiency in the competitive quick-service restaurant industry.
The company unveiled ambitious development goals to more than double its current unit count by 2030, signaling significant expansion potential for both existing and prospective franchise operators. This growth strategy is complemented by ongoing investments in rebranding initiatives designed to modernize existing restaurants. Conference attendees witnessed the impact of these renovations firsthand when visiting the recently remodeled St. Charles location, which has experienced an 8% sales lift and 7% traffic growth since its transformation.
The reunion featured prominent industry speakers including Danny Klein, Vice President Editorial Director of QSR Magazine, and Scott Greenberg, author and management trainer, who provided insights on leadership and thriving in competitive business environments. Their presentations equipped franchisees with strategies to maintain the brand's momentum in their local markets.
A particularly meaningful moment occurred with the presence of Jack Omer and Katie Bennett, grandchildren of Lee's founders, whose attendance connected the brand's nearly 60-year heritage to its current growth phase. This historical continuity underscores the enduring family values that continue to shape the company's direction.
The event culminated in an awards dinner recognizing outstanding operators who exemplify the brand's commitment to service, quality, and growth. Emmett and Jenny Gamache from St. Louis received the Legacy Award for their decades of dedication to the Lee's brand and local community. NLM Enterprises LLC earned Operator of the Year honors for exceptional sales performance and operational excellence in the Detroit market. Henry Loving of HTL Inc. received the Pacesetter Award for achieving the highest sales across the entire system, with his Richmond, Virginia location surpassing $6 million in annual sales.
For additional information about Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken, visit https://www.leesfamousrecipe.com. Those interested in franchising opportunities can learn more at https://www.leesfamousrecipe.com/franchise.
