Keep your eye on Slim Chickens if you are looking for an exclusive, multi-unit franchising opportunity. The brand is red hot, and its momentum shows no sign of slowing down. Racking up accolades left and right, there is a reason Slim Chickens was named the Breakout Brand of the Year by QSR Magazine in 2021.
Slim Chickens’ beginnings
The better-chicken concept has worked hard to earn its well-deserved recognition after starting in a garage in Arkansas in 2003 where the first chicken tenders were cooked in turkey friers. Over time, the methodology and recipes were improved to become the mouth-watering favorites its fans love today. The brand’s first location opened in Fayetteville, Arkansas and has since evolved into the world-renowned chicken franchise it is today, spanning across the United States and United Kingdom.
Founded by Tom Gordon and Greg Smart, Slim Chickens received its name for having good vibes and a welcoming environment. It’s Southern hospitality; a philosophy to show kindness, warmth, and to create a welcoming environment, welcomes guests in to try some of the many diverse menu offerings. Once a guest tries Slims’ top-notch chicken, it is hard for them to not get hooked. Dubbed “Slimthusiasts,” the brand has a passionate fan base that craves Slim Chickens across the world.
Those avid fans have helped foster rapid and continued growth for Slim Chickens With more than 850 units in development across the U.S. and U.K., Slims’ momentum is continuing to skyrocket.
“Since we first got started in that garage in 2003, I have known that Slim Chickens would be loved by all who try it. We built it on passion, and everyone at Slims is dedicated to supporting each other, from our franchisees to the executive team,” said Gordon, CEO at Slim Chickens. “Bringing our fan-favorite offerings to individuals across the world is a dream come true, and I am positive that once people get their hands on a Slim Chickens tender or other menu items, they won’t look back.”
Nearly two decades later, the buzz around Slim Chickens hasn’t stopped. The brand was recently noted as one of the Fastest-Growing Franchises by Entrepreneur — a title that is only received by franchises that have proven themselves as a leader within their segment.
Success that speaks louder than words
In North America, Slim Chickens has entered more than 30 states and has experienced immense success throughout them all. In fact, the better-chicken concept reported a 25 per cent comp store sales growth last year, with a 43.5 per cent increase in comp sales growth over the last four years.
The rapidly growing brand may be a top player within the American quick-service industry, but it is also beating out the competition worldwide. With a 50-unit development deal currently expanding Slims’ presence throughout the U.K., it is no surprise that Slim Chickens is turning heads across the pond. The brand currently has more than 20 locations open across the U.K., boasting stellar restaurant performance and high average-unit volumes (AUVs).
“The growth we have seen across the U.S. and U.K. has been more than phenomenal. People love our chicken, and it’s proven through repeated same stores sales growth year over year,” said Sam Rothschild, chief operations officer at Slim Chickens. “Given the emphasis we put on our support models, we know that franchisees are well equipped to grow Slim Chickens in whichever community they choose.”
Boparan Restaurant Group is spearheading the charge behind the brand’s international expansion. Currently, the group has 20 Slim Chickens restaurants under its belt, making them well in-tune with the successes that growing Slim Chickens globally can bring.
“The founders Tom and Greg have created an incredible concept,” said a Boparan Restaurant Group representative. “There is something totally unique about Slim’s freshly cooked chicken and housemade sauces, its modern blues music and its awesome hospitality. We believe there is incredible opportunity in the U.K. for a better-chicken brand like Slims, and we’re excited by what we can achieve together.”
Internationally, there is immense opportunity for continued growth with the better-chicken brand, and the Slim Chickens team is keen on offering full assistance along the way. Support from the team starts from the moment the contract is signed. From training and marketing to operations support, the Slims team has operators covered. These systems and processes have led countless franchisees to be profitable. Its formula for operator growth and accomplishment is second to none.
“Since the very beginning, Slim Chickens has been very franchisee friendly in every way you can possibly imagine,” said Mike Sartwell, multi-unit franchisee.
“They’ve helped us find sites, and the construction department through the whole construction process is amazing. I’ve never seen anything like it in my 45 years… [Slim Chickens] embraces feedback from franchisees, they listen to us, they’re concerned about our top lines but equally concerned about our bottom lines. “
Perfectly poised for growth in Asia
Featuring a menu of diverse offerings and unique customization options, Slim Chickens is well positioned for success in Asia. In the last decade alone, chicken consumption in Asia has skyrocketed by 56 per cent, proving the desire for the tasty chicken offerings Slim Chickens can bring to the area.
That appetite for fried chicken continues to rise across Asia, and Slim Chickens menu is well suited to cure customers’ hunger across the Southeast and Central regions of Asia.
The franchise opportunity comes equipped with dine-in and dine-out options with ample room for portability. The restaurants’ versatile offerings of chicken tender and family meals appeal to all consumers, both individuals looking to grab a quick bite to eat or a family searching for their next go-to mealtime destination.
The better-chicken brand’s menu diversity goes even beyond tender meals; it is packed with items such as chicken sandwiches, wraps, jarred desserts, hand-spun milkshakes, not to mention its famous 17 house-made sauces.
“From my experience in growing concepts across various countries globally, I know what consumers are looking for in a chicken concept — a cool environment and high-quality, fresh food,” said Bill Schreiber, vice president of international development at Slim Chickens. “Slim Chickens is equipped with everything that an operator needs and is looking for in the fast casual chicken segment.”
Continued development
As Slim Chickens rapidly expands across the globe, the fan-favorite franchise is seeking experienced multi-unit operators to grow across Bangladesh, Indonesia, Cambodia, Oman, Laos, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, South Korea and the Philippines. Additionally, the brand is focused on growing in the G.C.C., specifically Qatar, Pakistan, Bahrain, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Oman, U.A.E., Egypt and Vietnam.
With master franchising opportunities available, the brand is rewarding opportunities to individuals who possess previous ownership experience. Don’t miss your chance at development with a chicken segment leader connect with vice president of international development, Bill Schreiber, today.
At a Glance Slim Chickens
Year established: 2003
Number of franchised outlets opened: 168 units total with development commitments for 850+ locations over the next ten years.
Locations of units: U.S. and U.K.
Investment range: Variable
Minimum required capital: $1.5m liquid, $2.5m net worth
Contact: Bill Schreiber, vice president of
international development: bills@slimchickens.com, +1 214 663 7919
