Jack Omer, a third-generation restaurateur, has acquired five existing Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken locations in Indiana, deepening a family connection that stretches back nearly six decades. The restaurants, located in Connersville, Muncie, and Richmond, mark a meaningful return for Omer, whose grandfather, Harold Omer, co-founded the brand in 1966. For him, the deal represents both growth and stewardship of a legacy shaped by family and community ties.
Omer grew up around Lee’s kitchens, watching the brand evolve while holding fast to its original values. He has described the acquisition as a personal responsibility rather than a simple business transaction, noting that his goal is to preserve the qualities that have defined Lee’s for generations while ensuring the restaurants remain relevant to today’s customers. Despite ongoing challenges in the restaurant industry, he remains optimistic about the brand’s ability to thrive in familiar Indiana markets.
The five newly acquired locations will be updated to align with current brand standards, with a focus on consistency, service, and customer experience. Omer has emphasized maintaining strong relationships with local communities, many of which have supported Lee’s for years. His approach reflects a broader effort to balance modernization with the traditions that have long defined the brand’s identity.
Ryan Weaver, chief executive officer of Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken, said Omer embodies both the company’s past and its future. He noted that Omer’s deep understanding of the brand’s culture, combined with his operational experience, positions him well to lead thoughtful expansion. Weaver added that partnerships rooted in legacy help strengthen the brand as it continues to grow.
As Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken advances its long-term growth strategy, Omer’s acquisition underscores the enduring role of family-led ownership in franchising. The move highlights how legacy operators can play a central role in sustaining brand values while guiding established concepts into their next chapter.