Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken franchisee plans remodels as brand celebrates 60

Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken is marking its 60th anniversary with a renewed investment in its restaurants, as franchisee Weston Lee, LLC, led by co-Founder Harold Omer's grandson, Jack Omer, moves forward with remodels at its two Richmond, Indiana, locations.

The projects are part of the brand's Reframing the Fame initiative, a broader effort to modernize the restaurant experience while preserving the food, heritage and traditions that have defined Lee's since its founding in 1966, according to a news release.

The remodels include refreshed color schemes, updated furniture and fixtures, new digital menu boards, and significant interior and exterior improvements. Work began Oct. 19 at the Richmond East restaurant, with the Richmond West location scheduled to begin renovations Nov. 9. Both dining rooms will temporarily close during construction, but drive-thru service will remain available.

"This remodel is very symbolic. It's about much more than aesthetic updates; it's about breathing new life into the brand as we celebrate 60 years," Omer, franchisee and president of Weston Lee, said in the release. "We know we serve best-in-class fried chicken, and now our restaurants will have an appearance that reflects the quality of the food we serve."

The Richmond projects are part of a larger investment across Weston Lee's Indiana portfolio, which also includes restaurants in Muncie, Connersville and New Castle. The company views the renovations as an opportunity to strengthen its presence in communities that have supported the brand for decades.

Founded in Lima, Ohio, in 1966, Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken has grown to approximately 130 restaurants across the U.S.