Slim Chickens is not slowing down: the breakthrough fast casual brand is continuing to sign multi-unit franchise agreements amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Since February 2020, the brand has inked six multi-unit agreements representing 38 new franchise restaurants. The deals, all signed with experienced franchisees and groups, are set to bring Slim Chickens restaurants to key markets across the country, including several cities throughout Alabama and southern Tennessee; Dallas, Texas; Cleveland, Ohio; and cities throughout Montana. With the new agreements in place, Slim Chickens’ development pipeline sits at more than 400 units, well on the brand’s way to meeting its goal of 600 restaurants over the next ten years.
“Experienced restaurant owners are confident in the Slim Chickens brand because of the way our leadership and support teams have responded during the past several weeks and months,” says Jackie Lobdell, executive director of franchise development. “Through strong leadership and an insatiable demand for our product, we’ve seen same store sales actually go up in April and May. The fact that our sales are growing and we’re able to sign significant franchise development deals right now speaks to the strength of our concept, franchise system and corporate team.”
Building on the momentum of the new franchise agreements signed in recent weeks, Slim Chickens has opened four restaurants since the start of the year and has another 23 restaurants slated to open through December. New locations are set to open in markets across the country, including states like Florida, Colorado, New Jersey, Texas and Utah, to name a few. Additionally, five restaurants are scheduled to open in the United Kingdom before the end of the year.
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.
