Franchising

Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken expands with legacy partner

Photo: Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken

February 11, 2026

Summarize with

Jack Omer, grandson of Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken Co-Founder Harold Omer, has acquired five existing Lee's restaurants across Indiana, according to a press release.

The acquisition strengthens Omer's multi-generational connection to Lee's, a relationship that began in Lima, Ohio, in 1966, when Lee Cummings and Harold Omer opened the brand's first restaurant, known as Harold's Take Home. The brand has since grown into a regional favorite.

Omer's acquisition includes locations in Connersville, Muncie and Richmond, Indiana, which are in the design phase for remodels that will modernize to current brand standards. The transformations will enhance guest experience and reflect the brand's continued investment in local communities, team members and the long-term performance of its restaurants. This latest purchase builds on Omer's earlier transaction, which acquired the Lee's location in New Castle, Indiana.

"Jack represents both where Lee's has come from and where it's headed," Ryan Weaver, CEO of Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken, said in the release. "He's part of the brand's founding family, and he's approaching growth with a modern, multi-unit mindset of reinvesting, remodeling and expanding in markets that love Lee's. His commitment reflects the power of our franchise system and the strong foundation our 60 year legacy provides."

"Having grown up with Lee's as part of my family's story, I've seen firsthand how the brand has evolved while staying true to its roots," Jack Omer said in the release. "As a third-generation, it's meaningful to build on my family's history. I'm excited to build on the momentum and bring this brand to more communities so others can experience the quality food and service that have defined Lee's for generations."

Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken has more than 130 locations in 12 U.S. states and Canada. The brand is in its 60th year of operations.

Franchising