Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken Operator Plans South Carolina Expansion

Harris Mullis is turning a single Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken location into a multi-unit growth platform in South Carolina.

The Rock Hill franchisee, who reopened his restaurant in 2010, plans to expand with six additional locations across the state. The move builds on more than a decade of operational investment and performance at a site originally established in the late 1970s.

Mullis has spent the past 15 years transforming the Rock Hill restaurant into a high-performing operation, focusing on renovations, modernization, and team development while maintaining its local identity. That foundation is now fueling his next phase of growth.

"Ever since I decided Lee's was my long-term plan, I've wanted to be a multi-unit operator," Mullis said. "Lee's provides franchisees with a clear path to success, a lot of operational and training support, and I'm excited to bring our Famous Recipe to more communities across South Carolina."

Mullis' path to franchising was unconventional. Before entering the restaurant business, he taught English in South America and worked in international marketing and corporate banking. That background has shaped his approach to operations with an emphasis on strategic investment and disciplined growth.

"Harris is an exemplary franchisee and a tremendous ambassador for our brand," said Ryan Weaver, CEO of Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken. "In addition to being an Operator of the Year award recipient in 2022, Harris' commitment to grow our brand in South Carolina speaks to his confidence in the strong foundation our brand has built over the past 60 years."