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Friday, September 25, 2026 at 8:40 AM

Pierce restaurateur Lee dies at 85

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Pierce restaurateur Lee dies at 85
Lee

County native was Red Lobster co-founder Darden Restaurants CEO

Joe R. Lee, former Pierce Countian who rose up the ranks as Red Lobster co-founder and first Darden Restaurants CEO, died Sunday, October 12. He was 85.

Lee is remembered as a “giant,” who helped shape casual dining as we know it today.

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