Franchisee's Vision Fuels Major Lee's Chicken Expansion in South Carolina

ROCK HILL, SC – March 27, 2026 – Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken is poised for a significant expansion across South Carolina, with plans to open six new restaurants fueled by the success of one of its most decorated owner-operators, Harris Mullis. The move signals a major investment in the Palmetto State by the 60-year-old chicken franchise, leveraging a proven local success story to drive regional growth.

Mullis, the franchisee of the high-performing Lee's location in Rock Hill, is spearheading the development agreement. His journey and operational success have become a blueprint for the brand's renewed focus on strategic expansion, particularly in the competitive quick-service restaurant (QSR) landscape of the American Southeast.

From Classroom to Corner Office

Harris Mullis's path to becoming an award-winning restaurateur was anything but conventional. Before he was known for serving Lee's signature fried chicken, Mullis's career spanned continents and industries. He taught English in Japan, navigated the complexities of international marketing, and worked in corporate banking. This diverse background provided him with a unique skill set—a blend of cultural understanding, financial acumen, and marketing savvy—that he would later apply to the restaurant business.

In 2010, Mullis took on the challenge of reopening the Rock Hill Lee's, a location with roots stretching back to the 1970s. He didn't just reopen the doors; he revitalized the entire operation. Over the next decade and a half, Mullis invested heavily in modernizing the restaurant and building a strong team, all while honoring the brand's local heritage. His efforts transformed the location into a consistent top performer within the Lee's system, culminating in him being named the brand's Operator of the Year in 2022.

This long-term vision and commitment to excellence laid the foundation for his next chapter. "Ever since I decided Lee's was my long-term plan, I've wanted to be a multi-unit operator," Mullis stated. His ambition is now becoming a reality, serving as a testament to the brand's support for franchisee growth.

A Strategic Move in a Hot Chicken Market

The decision to launch a multi-unit expansion in South Carolina is a calculated one. The state's QSR market, particularly the fried chicken segment, is both crowded and lucrative. Major national brands and beloved regional chains have a deep-rooted presence, creating a highly competitive environment. For a brand like Lee's, a successful expansion requires more than just a good product; it demands a strategic approach.

By partnering with a proven operator like Mullis, Lee's is mitigating risk and leaning into a successful formula. The expansion allows the Ohio-based company to increase its market share in a region where demand for high-quality comfort food remains robust. South Carolina's growing population and thriving economy present a prime opportunity for QSR growth, and Lee's is positioning itself to capture a larger piece of that market.

"Harris is an exemplary franchisee and a tremendous ambassador for our brand," said Ryan Weaver, CEO of Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken. "His commitment to grow our brand in South Carolina speaks to his confidence in the strong foundation our brand has built over the past 60 years." This expansion is not just about adding locations but about strategically deepening the brand's footprint in a key Southern state.

Economic Boost for Local Communities

The arrival of six new restaurants will bring more than just Lee's famous chicken and homestyle sides to new communities across South Carolina. The expansion represents a significant local economic investment. Each new location is expected to create numerous jobs, providing opportunities for managers, full-time staff, and part-time team members. Based on industry averages, the six new restaurants could generate between 120 and 300 new jobs for the state.

Beyond direct employment, the economic ripple effect will be felt during the construction and development phases. The project will involve considerable capital investment in real estate, construction services, and equipment, benefiting local contractors and suppliers. Once open, the new restaurants will contribute to the local tax base through sales and property taxes, helping to fund public services.

For the yet-to-be-named communities that will host these new locations, the development also means increased consumer choice and a new dining option that contributes to the local commercial landscape. This kind of multi-unit development is often a catalyst for further economic activity in the surrounding areas.

A 60-Year Legacy with an Eye on the Future

As Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken celebrates its 60th anniversary, this South Carolina expansion underscores its focus on the next generation of growth. Founded in Lima, Ohio, the brand has built its reputation on a simple but powerful promise: fresh, never-frozen chicken. This commitment to quality has earned it national recognition, including being named a top 10 Fast Food Fried Chicken by USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Award for three consecutive years.

With more than 130 locations in 12 states and Canada, Lee's is actively seeking proven operators to help scale the brand. The company offers a robust support system for its franchisees, covering training, operations, and marketing, which Mullis cited as a key factor in his decision to expand. "Lee's provides franchisees with a clear path to success, a lot of operational and training support, and I'm excited to bring our Famous Recipe to more communities across South Carolina," he said.

This expansion, led by a franchisee who embodies the brand's potential, is a clear signal of Lee's ambition. It demonstrates a strategic blend of honoring a 60-year heritage while aggressively pursuing growth through strong local partnerships, ensuring the famous recipe will be enjoyed by a new wave of customers in the Palmetto State for years to come.