The owner of Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken in Oneida, Tennessee, has announced its closure. On June 10, owner Jan Jeffers announced reduced operating hours and plans to close the restaurant. An exact closing date has not been released yet.
Scott County’s Oldest Restaurant to Close After 43 Years
Jeffers said the restaurant would begin serving breakfast and lunch only, with daily closing hours set for 2 p.m.
The restaurant’s catering orders remain unaffected by the changes and will continue as normal. At the age of 87, Jeffers has decided to reduce the stress of a fast-paced business and focus on health and ongoing medical issues.
According to the post, the restaurant might close next month after serving for 43 years. Jeffers described the restaurant as one of the longest-operating chain restaurants in Scott County. The post also read, “We continue to have high traffic and sales, making this a very difficult decision. We want to end our 43-year run on our own terms, at a high point, and with only good thoughts and memories for our guests.”
The restaurant originally started its journey in 1983 as Mrs. Winners Chicken and Biscuits. After 17 years, the concept was changed to the Lee group. Jeffers mentioned Lee’s as a great company to work with. He stated, “Their leadership, direction, and assistance, along with an outstanding relationship, have solidified any success we have achieved.”
Jeffers also recognized manager Louise Phillips for her contributions to the business. The post concluded by thanking customers and employees for their support over the years.
Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken: A Brand Still Growing
While the Oneida restaurant is closing, the broader Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken brand continues to expand. Founded in 1966 by Lee Cummings, the nephew of Colonel Harland Sanders, founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken, the chain has gained a reputation for its honey-dipped, hand-breaded chicken served from a secret blend of herbs and spices.
The company’s focus is fresh, never frozen chicken, homestyle sides, and family meals. Lee’s has multiple restaurants in the United States and continues to grow through franchising.
In addition to its famous fried chicken, the menu features chicken tenders, sandwiches, family meal packages, biscuits, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, green beans, and more, all of which have kept the brand a staple for generations of customers.
