Soul of 78: Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken

Words special to 78 Magazine | Images by Ryan McGill

In 1964, Lee Cummings, a nephew of Colonel Harland Sanders, began crafting his own signature fried chicken recipe. By 1966, he opened the first Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken restaurant in Columbus, Ohio. The company flourished, and in 1981, Cummings sold it to Shoney's.

Tim Hixon, a native of Elyria, Ohio, joined Lee's as a 16-year-old cook in 1975. Just a year later, he was promoted to manager. By 1983, Hixon became a part owner of three Lee's locations in partnership with two others. In 1987, he sold his shares, and Shoney's transferred him to Alabama to continue his career with the company.

"When I was 13 years old, walking to school in the snow, I figured out that there had to be a better place to live," Hixon said. "It just took me 13 more years to find a way to get out."

At its peak, Alabama was home to 28 Lee's locations. Today, Hixon's restaurant is the last one standing in the state. He attributes its success to exceptional service and a dedicated staff, noting the low turnover rate. Some employees have worked at the restaurant for two decades or more.

Hixon relies on simple marketing strategies. Instead of commercials, he sends out a monthly coupon mailer and places a small ad in church bulletins. The rest, he says, is word of mouth. "The popularity proves we don't need anything more," he added.

Lee's top sellers are its "famous recipe" fried chicken, crispy chicken, and tender chicken breast strips.

The restaurant has also become a family business. "I have a daughter, Tiffany, who is running a store in Ohio that I used to own," Hixon said. "Also, my son Logan and daughter-in-law Nicole work for me at the Jasper location."

Though often undervalued, fast food work has been the foundation of Hixon's success. It's provided him with the opportunity to build a fulfilling life with his wife and children, all while creating a business that continues to thrive through dedication, community, and hard work. 78