Thursday, March 17, 2022

Lee’s Chicken winging way to Michigan Avenue site

Wayne officials recently announced that two new businesses are expected to be winging their way into the city soon.

Wing Stop representatives have announced that a new location of the restaurant will open in the Rite Aid Plaza on Michigan Avenue and Wayne Road. Currently, the closest Wing Stop is on Ford Road in Canton near Ford Road and Lotz, officials said.

In addition, Lee's Chicken is expected to renovate and open in the former Brownie's Diner on Michigan Avenue near downtown Wayne. The closest current location for the popular facility is on Ann Arbor Road in Plymouth.

“I'm sure many of you have stood in line at Lee's Chicken on Ann Arbor Trail. We're absolutely ecstatic to know that Lee's Chicken is coming to the City of Wayne,” said Wayne Director of Planning Lori Gouin at a city council meeting last month. “This is something that is long overdue. We have a great tenant and a very stable tenant going into this building.”

Lee's Chicken is a national franchise chain known for fried chicken and other items. The new Michigan Avenue location is expected to include areas for dining as well as drive-through service. 

“Lee's is growing and we're excited to expand our presence in the state of Michigan for Lee's fans to experience our fresh never frozen products. The Lee's location in Plymouth has a legendary following, so we're looking forward to adding many new locations in southeast Michigan over the coming years,” said Lee's CEO Ryan Weaver in a news release. 

The expansion in Michigan is the largest ever Lee’s market development. according to the news release. Lee's was founded in Lima, Ohio, 55 years ago.

“Lee's is a good fit for us to expand locally, especially as long-time fans of the brand,” said Noman Aiyash, who along with Leo Gonzalez, is named as an owner of the new Wayne location franchise. “Lee's as a whole is seeing record sales growth over the past couple of years. We expect to be a part of continuing that momentum, especially with our many years of restaurant experience in these markets,” he said. The new location is expected to be open by the end of the year.