..Of Plymouth

1122 West Ann Arbor Road
Plymouth, Michigan
Between Sheldon and Main Street

(734) 453-6767

OPEN 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. DAILY

HISTORY

The Plymouth, Michigan Lee’s franchise is one of the oldest franchise locations in existence, has won multiple franchise awards for record sales-breaking success, and is solely a carry-out facility. It is custom to serve a meal for one customer or meals for hundreds at one time. Lee’s Chicken of Plymouth, Michigan is owned by Joe Langkabel and operated by his wife, Irene, and sister, JoAnn.

Joe grew up in Plymouth, Michigan and started working at Lee’s when he was only 13. In the 1970s, the business was then called Grandma’s Chicken, and Joe worked as an employee there all throughout high school. It was also there that he met his future wife, Irene, who was an employee as well. He loved the business so much, that in 1977, at the ripe age of 20, he became the proud and dedicated franchise owner. Joe and Irene also tied the knot later that same year.

From 1977 through the 1990s, Joe, Irene, brothers, sisters and cousin worked diligently
to build the business name. The Langkabel family grew and evolved as well and eventually all three of Joe and Irene’s children worked there too! The franchise became known as Lee’s Chicken during that same time period. In the mid-1990s, Joe’s brother moved on to Indiana, where he now owns and operates the historic Copper Kettle Inn.

Currently helping in the operation of the business are numerous other family members, including their son, nieces, nephew, brother, and sister. Their remaining employees include those who have been there between 2 and 10 years, work hard, fast and enjoy being part of this family-oriented business.