This study is necessitated by the growing emphasis in todays business environment for performance measurement and standards; given changes in relative and associated constructs and settings such as leadership, the socio-economic as well as the socio-political context; hence this study evaluates the effect of succession planning on the maintenance of performance standards by fast-food companies in Nigeria. A total of 62 employees from 21 fast-food outlets in Port Harcourt comprised the sample size for the study; with data generated through the use of structured questionnaire copies. Two hypothetical null statements of no association between the dimensions of succession planning (mentoring and management development) and the maintenance of performance standards were tested and found to be false given the significance of the correlations. Therefore we assert that the careful and predetermined succession of leadership is imperative to the maintenance of performance standards and recommend that adequate policies and frameworks be instituted to support and guide such events.