Sioux Falls, S.D. — Slim Chickens, a leading fast-casual franchise in the better-chicken segment, is expanding its presence throughout eastern South Dakota and northwest Iowa. Existing franchisee Todd Porter of TNT Chicken is spearheading this expansion. Porter is well-versed in the restaurant industry. In late 2017, he added Slim Chickens to his portfolio alongside several restaurant concepts, including local staples Chevys Fresh Mex and Johnny Carino’s. Porter also has experience in the full-service restaurant sector, as he owned and operated multiple Applebee’s locations throughout South Dakota, Iowa and Nebraska. His …
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Charlotte, N.C. — Slim Chickens, a leading fast-casual franchise in the better-chicken segment, has opened its newest restaurant — and its first in North Carolina — at 5535 Prosperity Ridge Rd. in Charlotte. Seasoned restaurant group Break Bread Ventures is at the helm of the deal. “We are so excited to open our first location in North Carolina,” says Jackie Lobdell, vice president of franchise development at Slim Chickens. “Partnering with talented and passionate operating groups like Break Bread Ventures makes adding Slim Chickens to new communities across the country …
Fayetteville, Ark. — Slim Chickens made brand history in 2021 by closing out the year with more signed development deals and openings than ever before. The past year, the brand celebrated a number of milestones including its 150th store opening, entered 65 new markets with development deals and had close to 40 openings. It also inked 350 signed agreements, bringing the total units in development to 750. On top of the rapid franchise growth, Slim Chickens also had a 25% positive comp store sales growth — in fact, the brand …
Miami — Slim Chickens, a leading fast-casual franchise in the better-chicken segment, has inked a deal for the entire state of Indiana and the Southeast region of Florida for a total of 60 locations. “Slim Chickens’ leadership team is top-notch,” says Al Cabrera, the franchise partner with over 35 years of experience who is spearheading the 60-unit deal. “After three decades in the restaurant industry, it is easy to spot an amazing opportunity, and Slims’ was a clear choice for the next addition to my portfolio.” “This is a huge …
Fayetteville, Ark. — Slim Chickens, a leading fast-casual franchise, has strengthened its executive team with the appointment of restaurant industry leader Christina Vaughan to senior vice president of operations. Vaughan will work closely with the chief operating officer of Slim Chickens, Sam Rothschild, handling various aspects of the brand including franchise, corporate and training operations. Additionally, in this role, she will be overseeing the cross-functional leadership team and working directing with the partnership group. With more than two decades of experience in the restaurant industry, Vaughan is well suited to …
Dallas — Slim Chickens has inked a deal to bring 10 locations to cities throughout greater Dallas. Farouk Jamal and Ali Poonja of Slim Brothers will be bringing the restaurants to Collin and Denton counties in fourth quarter 2022. “After connecting with franchise owners in the system and learning about their experience owning Slims, we knew we had to be a part of the chicken segment,” says Jamal. “We’re excited to join an emerging brand that is growing rapidly, and we’re ready to hit the ground running.” Jamal and Poonja …
Tuscaloosa, Ala. — Slim Chickens, a leading fast-casual franchise in the better-chicken segment, has opened its newest restaurant at 685 Skyland Blvd. in Tuscaloosa, Ala., marking its first location in the state. Seasoned restaurant group Heart of the South is at the helm of the new location. “Opening our first location in Alabama is a huge step for Slim Chickens,” says Jackie Lobdell, vice president of franchise development at Slim Chickens. “Heart of the South has a passion for bringing good southern comfort food and great experiences to Tuscaloosa locals, …
Tampa, Fla. — Slim Chickens has signed a 23-unit agreement with investment group Florida Slims to bring the brand to Tampa. The first located is slated to open in the Wesley Chapel area in early 2022. Florida Slims is experienced in real estate development and multi-unit restaurant operations. The group’s background is expected to well equip them to open the new locations. “Florida Slims is the perfect group to help us expand in Florida’s Gulf Coast. Their portfolio proves that they will do amazing work,” says Jackie Lobdell, vice president …
Huntsville, Ala. — Slim Chickens, a leading fast-casual franchise in the “better chicken” segment, has inked a deal to bring nine locations to cities throughout Alabama. Legends Development, LLC will be bringing the restaurants to Huntsville, Marshall, Etowah, Auburn, Montgomery, Mobile and Talladega. Slim Chickens first opened in 2003 in Fayetteville, Ark. Today, there are more than 125 Slim Chickens locations open and 500 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. …
Albuquerque — Slim Chickens, a leading fast-casual franchise which features dine-in and drive-thru in the “better chicken” segment, has signed a multi-unit agreement with Dennis Ekstrom to develop 10 restaurants across New Mexico and in El Paso, Texas. The first location is slated to open in 2021. New Mexico cities being pursued by Ekstrom include Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Las Cruces. Ekstrom is a multi-unit owner of 10 Del Taco restaurants and has more than 30 years of restaurant ownership experience. “Dennis is exactly the kind of franchisee we’re seeking …