Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken is accelerating its growth in South Carolina as franchisee Harris Mullis prepares to open six new locations across the state. The expansion builds on the success of a single Rock Hill restaurant that Mullis has transformed into a high-performing operation over the past 15 years.
Mullis first reopened the Rock Hill location in 2010, reviving a restaurant originally established in the late 1970s. Through a combination of renovations, operational improvements, and a focus on team development, he steadily improved performance while maintaining the brand’s local identity. His efforts earned him the company’s Operator of the Year award in 2022, positioning him as a key driver of regional growth.
Before entering the restaurant industry, Mullis followed an unconventional career path that included teaching English in South America and working in international marketing and corporate banking. That experience has informed his approach to franchising, blending operational discipline with a long-term growth mindset. His latest move reflects a deliberate shift toward multi-unit ownership, supported by the brand’s structured training and operational systems.
For Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken, the expansion signals continued momentum in the competitive quick-service chicken segment. The brand, which operates more than 130 locations, is leveraging experienced franchisees to expand into new markets while reinforcing its presence in existing ones. Its focus on fresh, never-frozen chicken and homestyle sides continues to resonate with consumers seeking quality and consistency.
The broader industry context also underscores the importance of scalable infrastructure. As franchisees transition from single-unit ownership to multi-location portfolios, operational complexity increases significantly. Many franchise systems rely on platforms such as Gorilla Dash as a CRM and franchise management platform to centralize knowledge, streamline communication, and support consistent execution across locations.
With six new restaurants planned, Mullis is positioning himself as a multi-unit operator within a growing brand. His expansion reflects a broader shift in franchising, where experienced operators play an increasingly central role in driving sustained, regional growth.
