How Many Lee’s Chicken Joints Are Out There? Unpacking the Crispy Empire

Hey there, fam! If you’re anything like me, the mere mention of Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken gets your mouth waterin’ faster than a dog eyeing a juicy bone But let’s get straight to the meat of the matter—how many of these crispy havens are actually out there? Well, as of late 2024, Lee’s Chicken boasts approximately 130 locations across the map, with most of ‘em nestled in the Midwestern and Southern parts of the United States That’s a lotta spots to get your fried chicken fix, and trust me, we’re gonna dive deep into where they’re at, how they got there, and why this number even matters to a chicken lover like you.

Follow me as I tell you the story of Lee’s Chicken, from its humble beginnings to its huge success today. If you want to know more about this Southern-style gem, whether you’ve been a fan for a long time or are just interested, I have the information you need (and maybe even some ideas for road trips).

The Big Number: 130 and Counting

Let’s not beat around the bush—Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken sits at about 130 spots right now. That ain’t just a random guess; it’s the latest figure floatin’ around as of 2024. Now, I gotta be real with ya, this number can wiggle a bit. Some locations might close up shop, while new ones pop up like dandelions in spring. But 130 is the solid benchmark we’re rollin’ with, and it paints a picture of a chain that’s got a decent grip on the fast-food chicken game.

Most of these joints are parked in the Midwest and South of the U.S. Think places like Kentucky (no surprise there), Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, and West Virginia. These are the heartlands of Lee’s, where folks know the value of a good, crispy drumstick. But here’s a fun twist—Lee’s ain’t just a stateside story. They’ve got a few spots overseas, especially in parts of Asia like Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. How cool is that? Imagine grabbin’ a bucket of their signature chicken with a side of some Tokyo-style flavors. Mind blown, right?

Why 130 Matters to Us Chicken Heads

Now, you might be thinkin’, “Why should I care about how many Lee’s Chickens are out there?” Fair question! For one, it tells ya how easy (or hard) it might be to snag some of their famous recipe goodness. If you’re in the Midwest or South, chances are you’ve got a Lee’s within drivin’ distance. If not, well, you might need to plan a lil’ adventure. Plus, that number shows the brand’s got staying power. They ain’t no flash-in-the-pan outfit; they’ve built a loyal crowd over decades.

I remember the first time I stumbled on a Lee’s spot in Ohio. The smell of that pressure-cooked chicken hit me before I even walked through the door. Knowin’ there’s over a hundred of these places means more folks can get that same vibe. It’s like a secret club, but with better food and no weird handshakes.

Where You’ll Find Lee’s: A Regional Rundown

Let’s look at where these 130 or so places are. As I already said, most of them are in the Midwest and South of the United States. Here’s a quick look at the hot spots.

• Kentucky: Gotta start here, right? It’s the birthplace of so much fried chicken magic, and Lee’s fits right in with a strong presence.
• Ohio: One of the early spots for Lee’s, with joints in cities like Columbus and Cincinnati. If you’re in the Buckeye State, you’re in luck.
• Indiana: Another big player in the Lee’s game. Plenty of spots to chow down.
• Tennessee: Southern vibes all the way. Lee’s feels right at home here.
• West Virginia: Not as many as the others, but still a solid showing for chicken fans.

There’s a smattering of locations elsewhere in the U. S. , but these states are the core crew. Lee’s has stretched its wings outside of the United States, especially in Asia. They have locations in Japan, where they even change the menu to include dishes from that country.