Lexington, KY – A significant piece of the city’s culinary history is set to disappear as a demolition permit has been requested for the site of the original Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken at 1487 Boardwalk. The request was filed on October 31, 2024, and is currently under review by city officials.
The site has been vacant since its abrupt closure on November 7, 2019. Employees arrived that day to find locked doors, marking the end of an era for a restaurant that first opened in 1977 near the North Park shopping center, just off New Circle Road.
Chuck Newnham, the franchisee of Lee’s and owner of K2 Property LLC, indicated in September that the property was listed for potential sale or ground lease. However, this means the location will not reopen as a Lee’s outlet. Newnham did not provide further comments regarding the future plans for the site after demolition.
The original Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken was one of the chain’s early locations, established by co-founder Lee Cummings, a nephew of KFC founder Col. Harlan Sanders. At its peak, the restaurant was a bustling hub, with Cummings reporting that it was one of the highest-volume stores in the chain.
Over the years, the brand has seen various ownership changes since being sold to Shoney’s Restaurants in 1981. The Boardwalk location was one of five in Lexington at the time of Cummings’ visit in 1984, and it was noted for its success amidst a competitive fast food environment.
Unfortunately, this closing trend for Lee’s has been prevalent, as another Lexington location on Red Mile Road was recently demolished as part of plans for new commercial development. The only remaining operational Lee’s in Lexington is on Richmond Road, which has been performing well and remains the sole provider of Lee’s chicken tenders in the area.
As the Boardwalk site faces demolition, it highlights the ongoing changes in the Central Kentucky dining landscape. The local community watches closely how these developments alter the fabric of familiar neighborhoods once filled with beloved dining options.
The expected demolition seeks to pave the way for new business opportunities, though specifics on the future use of the property remain unclear.
