Founded in 1966 by Allan and Donna Luihn as a means to supplement his teaching income and support their family, Luihn Foods has grown into Luihn VantEdge Partners (LVE), a thriving enterprise deeply rooted in its original family values. What began as a modest operation has evolved into a dynamic multi-branded business with over 200 locations across North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Florida, and Arizona.
LVE's innovative spirit was evident early on, with the introduction of the Two-in-One concept combining KFC and Taco Bell in 1993, setting a precedent for co-branding ventures. Under the leadership of Allan’s son, CEO Jody Luihn, the company is now pursuing ambitious expansion plans in high-growth markets. In 2020, the Luihn family partnered with VantEdge in a major recapitalization effort aimed at doubling the company's scale over the next five years.
Leadership excellence has always been a hallmark of LVE, with the company and its officers earning numerous awards for their contributions to the brands they represent. The team’s involvement in franchise advisory councils and their role in shaping the future of the brands highlight their commitment to the franchise community.
With a workforce that has grown from the initial staff of one store to over 5,000 employees, LVE values talent and fosters an environment that encourages advancement and creativity. This dedication to employee development, combined with a forward-thinking approach, continues to drive LVE’s success.
Despite its substantial growth and the changes that come with it, LVE remains true to its founding principles, ensuring that the family-centric values that started it all continue to guide the company’s future.