Panama City, Fla. — Slim Chickens, a leading fast-casual franchise which features dine-in and drive-through in the “better chicken” segment, plans to open its first location in Florida in the spring. The forthcoming restaurant, which will be in Panama City, comes out of the brand’s recent 10-unit franchise agreement covering the Florida Panhandle. There will also be a location coming to the Callaway area.
Chris and Amy McMillan, along with business partners Richard Maddox, Adam Cantrell and Becky Retherford, are bringing Slim Chickens to the region and are all local business owners in Panama City. As multi-unit franchisees with a leading fast food drive-in restaurant, the McMillans are restaurant industry veterans with nearly 20 years of restaurant operations experience.
“Slim Chickens has incredible momentum behind it — the brand is red hot. Now is the time to franchise with the brand,” says Chris McMillan, co-owner of the new restaurants. “We truly believe in Slim Chickens and are thrilled to show new customers in Florida what the excitement is all about. With its touch of southern hospitality and broad menu, we know it’s going to be a hit.”
In addition to the forthcoming location in Panama City, the group plans to open in towns and cities across the Panhandle like Pensacola, Fort Walton, Callaway and others.
“The McMillans and their business partners are exactly the kind of franchisees we’re seeking as we expand into new markets,” says Jackie Lobdell, executive director of franchise development at Slim Chickens. “Their professional background in restaurant operations coupled with their local business expertise are what we look for as we sign franchisees across the country.”
The better-chicken brand has opened 100 locations across the United States, the United Kingdom and Kuwait. With more than 350 units in development, the fast-growing brand is well on its way to reaching its goal of 600 restaurants.
Slim Chickens first opened in 2003 in Fayetteville, Ark. In July, Slim Chickens attracted an equity investment from 10 Point Capital, the private equity firm behind segment leader Tropical Smoothie Café. For more information, visit https://slimchickens.com and www.slimchickensfranchise.com.
SOURCE: Slim Chickens