Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken breaks ground on first O’Fallon prototype restaurant

Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken has started construction on a new O’Fallon, Missouri restaurant that will debut the brand’s latest ground-up prototype. The fall 2026 opening would add to Lee’s expansion in Missouri and the St. Louis market as the chain pushes toward 140 locations systemwide.

Why it matters: - The O’Fallon project is Lee’s first ground-up build using the brand’s latest restaurant prototype. - The new location adds another foothold in Missouri, where Lee’s will have 17 restaurants once the site opens. - The opening also deepens Lee’s presence in the greater St. Louis market, where the chain will have 16 locations.

What happened: - Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken broke ground this week on a new restaurant at 988 Bryan Road in O’Fallon, Missouri. - Lee’s leadership joined O’Fallon Mayor Bill Hennessy and representatives from the O’Fallon Chamber of Commerce for the ceremony. - The restaurant is expected to open in fall 2026.

The details: - The O’Fallon restaurant will be the first Lee’s ground-up build to showcase the company’s latest prototype. - The updated design is meant to reflect the brand’s evolution while keeping the quality, flavor and hospitality tied to Lee’s 60-year history. - Attendees included CEO Ryan Weaver, Chief Development Officer Logan Sumner and Director of Store Design & Construction Brian Seitz. - Lee’s said those leaders are helping drive strategic growth and restaurant modernization across the country. - The company is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. - Lee’s plans to open 10 new restaurants in the next 12 months. - The systemwide total is projected to reach 140 locations. - Lee’s currently operates restaurants in 12 states and Canada.

Between the lines: - The O’Fallon build signals that Lee’s is pairing expansion with a refresh of its store format. - A new prototype can matter as much as a new store count because it shapes how future locations will look, function and scale. - The Missouri opening also suggests Lee’s is leaning on established markets for growth while it modernizes the brand.

What’s next: - Construction will move ahead toward a fall 2026 opening. - Lee’s expansion pipeline points to additional restaurants opening over the next year as the company works toward 140 systemwide locations. - More information, including franchise details, is available at Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken.