Just six years into franchising, Slim Chickens has opened its 100th location.
The past 12 months have been a banner year for the booming franchise concept. Slim Chickens, which features dine-in and drive-through in the “better chicken” segment, celebrated nearly 20 franchise openings, launched its first food truck and expanded into new markets including Colorado, North Dakota and Memphis, Tennessee.
As the energy behind the brand heats up, experienced multi-unit franchise groups and private equity are taking notice. In 2019 alone, Slim Chickens inked eight multi-unit agreements totaling 80 units, bringing its development pipeline to over 350 locations. The brand also attracted an equity investment from 10 Point Capital, the private equity firm behind segment leader Tropical Smoothie Café.
“The momentum behind our brand is outstanding. We are flying past the 100-unit mark. As we look to next year, we have at least 30 franchise openings planned and exciting multi-unit franchise deals in the works,” says Executive Director of Franchise Development Jackie Lobdell. “We’re excited to surpass expectations as groups continue to take notice of our red-hot and differentiated brand, streamlined operations, strong unit economics and unmatched training program.”
With hundreds of thousands of happy customers, the brand has developed a strong devoted fanbase, also known as “Slimthusiasts,” helping to fuel demand for the hand-breaded, cooked-to-order tenders. Slim Chickens has distinguished itself in the “better chicken” segment by offering high-quality food and 17 house-made dipping sauces, allowing customers to enjoy a different flavor profile with each visit. Its menu is broader than many in the category, offering chicken tenders, fresh salads, sandwiches, chicken and waffles, chicken wings and unique side items. Fans also resonate with the southern contemporary look and feel and the open and inviting layout of Slim Chickens restaurants, which speak to the hospitality mindset that anchors the brand.
The Slim Chickens franchise opportunity differentiates itself with prime markets available for multi-unit development, a passionate leadership team and world-class franchisee support system. As Slim Chickens expands, it is awarding franchise opportunities to qualified, experienced and passionate multi-unit groups looking to add a dynamic segment to their portfolio.
