New Castle acquisition sets the foundation for future development in the region

Lee's Famous Recipe^® Chicken, a name synonymous with delicious, home-style fried chicken for nearly 60 years, enters a new era of growth in Central Indiana as third-generation legacy Jack Omer acquires the New Castle restaurant and signs a development agreement for six new Lee’s locations to open in the greater Indianapolis area over the next five years. Omer is the grandson of Harold Omer, who co-founded Lee’s with his brother-in-law and Jack’s great-uncle, Lee Cummings.

“Joining this chapter of the Lee’s community is incredibly special to me,” said Omer. “Seeing the brand continue to thrive is both humbling and deeply personal, knowing the vision my grandfather and great-uncle built is still alive nearly 60 years later. With the franchisor’s commitment to quality and growth, I’m excited to help carry that momentum forward for our company, our community, and our family.”

Omer spent his childhood in Lee’s kitchens learning operations, helping in the back of house, and absorbing the culture and community that defined the restaurants his family helped build. Omer has now acquired the New Castle restaurant from longtime franchisee Mike Fort, who operated the location since 1996. Fort’s nearly 30 years of leadership made the restaurant a trusted staple in the community.

“Mike has been such a strong and dedicated ambassador of the brand,” Omer said. “Generations of families have made this restaurant part of their lives, and his commitment to running a successful business and giving back to the community has left a meaningful legacy. We wish him a wonderful retirement and sincerely thank him for his decades of service to Lee’s.”

Now stepping into ownership, Omer will work closely with Chief Development Officer Logan Sumner and the development team to remodel the New Castle, Indiana, location while also advancing broader growth and brand initiatives across the larger market.

“Jack represents everything that makes Lee’s special,” said Ryan Weaver, CEO of Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken. “He grew up in our kitchens, learned the business from the people who built it, and carries a deep respect for the communities these restaurants serve. His blend of family connection, operational understanding, and brand experience makes him uniquely positioned to lead our growth in Central Indiana. We’re thrilled to welcome him back to the Famous Family and look forward to the impact he’ll make in the years ahead.”

Interested in joining the Famous Family? Learn more about franchising opportunities at www.leesfamousrecipe.com/franchise.

For more information about Lee's Famous Recipe^® Chicken, visit www.leesfamousrecipe.com or follow them on Facebook or Instagram.

About Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken

For nearly 60 years, Lee’s Famous Recipe® Chicken, a quick service franchise founded in Lima, Ohio, has specialized in fresh, never frozen chicken. Lee’s has been recognized for three years in a row as a top 10 Fast Food Fried Chicken by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Award. Today, there are more than 130 Lee’s Famous Recipe® Chicken locations in 12 U.S. states and in Canada, most are individually owned and operated. For additional information, please visit LeesFamousRecipe.com.

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