Fayetteville, Ark. — Slim Chickens plans to open more than 50 restaurants this year in various states including Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
As the fast-casual brand expands around the globe, Slim Chickens, which features dine-in and drive-thru footprints in the “better chicken” segment, is set for an explosive 2021. Internationally, franchise restaurants will continue to open across the United Kingdom as well.
Slim Chickens closed out 2020 having signed over 150 multi-unit agreements with 16 groups that will bring the brand into new markets across the country. While 2020 was a difficult year for the restaurant industry, Slim Chickens finished with just under 14% positive comp store sales growth and systemwide revenue growth of over 35%. The brand also grew its franchise system by 30% in 2020.
“In March of 2020, 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. “We’ve closed our most successful year in terms of franchise sales and are excited to continue the momentum.”
Slim Chickens works well in traditional and non-traditional environments alike. The brand opened several non-traditional venues in 2020 that contributed to the brand’s success, including restaurants at universities, stadiums and military bases. The brand entered nine new markets in 2020 and are looking to meet or exceed our franchise development sales from last year in 2021.
Slim Chickens first opened in 2003 in Fayetteville, Ark. Today, Slim Chickens has opened 100 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. For more information, visit www.slimchickensfranchise.com.
To read Retail & Restaurant Facility Business magazine’s July 2020 cover story on Slim Chickens, click here.
SOURCE: Slim Chickens