Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken opens larger Franklin restaurant June 1

By AI, Created 12:01 PM UTC, May 26, 2026, /AGP/ – Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken is opening a new, bigger Franklin restaurant on June 1 at 400 Commerce Center Dr., replacing a smaller longtime location. The grand opening will give the first 100 guests a free meal and underscores the brand’s investment in its 60th-anniversary year.

Why it matters: - The new Franklin restaurant gives Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken more space to serve customers in a growing, on-the-go market. - The opening reinforces the brand’s long-term presence in Franklin during Lee’s 60th anniversary year. - The updated location is meant to improve the customer experience with a modern format and faster service features.

What happened: - Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken is opening a new restaurant in Franklin at 400 Commerce Center Dr. - The restaurant opens on Sunday, May 24, with a grand opening celebration on Monday, June 1. - The new location replaces a smaller, longstanding Franklin restaurant. - The restaurant is owned and operated by Chuck Doran and Ken Riddle.

The details: - The Franklin restaurant is 2,309 square feet. - The space includes state-of-the-art digital interior and exterior menu boards. - The restaurant is designed to better serve today’s on-the-go lifestyle. - Doors open at 10:30 a.m. on June 1. - The restaurant will operate daily until 10:00 p.m. - The first 100 guests in line on June 1 will receive a free 2-piece Breast Strip meal. - Lee’s serves fresh, never-frozen chicken. - Lee’s has been recognized as a top 10 Fast Food Fried Chicken brand in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

Between the lines: - The larger store signals continued investment in Franklin and the surrounding community. - Chuck Doran said the bigger restaurant gives the brand a chance to serve guests “in a bigger way,” while keeping its commitment to quality and flavor. - The company’s local owners also support the University of Dayton, The Rose Music Center, Flyght Academy, local high schools, and veteran-focused initiatives. - The expansion fits a broader pattern for Lee’s, which operates more than 130 locations in 12 U.S. states and Canada.

What’s next: - Franklin customers can follow @leesmiamivalley on Instagram and X for updates. - More information is available on Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken. - Lee’s will continue expanding through individually owned and operated locations across its footprint.

The bottom line: - Lee’s is using a bigger Franklin restaurant to modernize the customer experience while leaning on the brand’s local history and fried-chicken identity.