Remember Dixie Lee? If you are a child of the 1970s or 1980s, you probably remember the once-popular Ontario fried chicken chain.
You might also wonder what happened to the franchise. It didn't exactly disappear, but it did contract in the 1990s and 2000s.
Now, the franchise, which is headquartered in Bruce Mines incidentally, is on the upswing, with plans to open franchise across Ontario again, including three in Greater Sudbury.
The first of those three — in Garson — opens this Friday.
Local franchisees Shawn and Beverly Blanchette are holding a grand opening at their 3060 Falconbridge Highway location on Aug. 12 from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Ward 7 Coun. Mike Jakubo will be on hand for the event, as will property owner Paul Zulich, Sudbury MP Paul Lefebvre and Maria Struik, the president and CEO of the Dixie Lee Roosters Diner chain.
Besides the fried chicken, there will be cake and refreshments, door prizes, and ballots for a grand opening draw.
“I feel like this is just such a great next step for us,” said Beverly Blanchette. "Shawn grew up in Sudbury and has worked hard his entire life in a variety of industries, from building maintenance to computers to administration."
In honour of the grand opening, get a six-piece meal for $10 (limit four per customer).
The restaurant also appears to be hiring, encouraging people to visit its Facebook employment opportunity information, as well as general info including store hours and specials.
Dixie Lee also plans to open franchises in Hanmer and Chelmsford.
