Fayetteville, Ark. — Slim Chickens is closing out 2020 with a bang: the brand has inked multi-unit franchise agreements for 150 units this year.
In what was a precarious 12 months for the restaurant sector, Slim Chickens signed multi-unit agreements that will bring the brand into new markets across the country. Some of the more notable deals include agreements for 12 units in Georgia, 23 units in Tampa, 10 units in New Mexico and 22 units in North Carolina.
“This year has been a whirlwind. We kicked things off in January stronger than ever and with more momentum behind us than any other brand in the segment. Of course, things changed in March, but we were able to quickly pivot and support franchisees, and within 4 weeks our year-over-year sales were up systemwide. This showed prospects that Slim Chickens was the right choice for their portfolio long term,” says Jackie Lobdell, vice president of franchise development. “Now, we’re closing our most successful year ever in terms of franchise sales and have nothing but excitement as we look to continued growth in 2021.”
In addition to the brand’s impressive franchise development pipeline, it has also opened its 116th location. Slim Chickens was able to open 15 restaurants in 2020 and has plans to open over 50 locations next year.
Slim Chickens first opened in 2003 in Fayetteville, Ark. Today, Slim Chickens has opened 116 restaurants and has over 350 restaurants in development. The brand recently launched a strategic multi-unit franchise growth initiative to reach 600 units in 10 years. In 2021, the brand is hoping to expand into markets such as Florida, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Minnesota and Arizona. For more information, visit www.slimchickensfranchise.com.
To read Retail & Restaurant Facility Business’ July 2020 cover story on Slim Chickens, click here.
SOURCE: Slim Chickens