Established
2003
Franchise Units
316
Minimum Investment
$1,307,000
Franchise Fee
$30,000
Total Investment Range
$4,052,000
Home Based
No
Description
Slim Chickens is a fast-growing fast-casual restaurant concept specializing in fresh, hand-breaded chicken tenders, wings, sandwiches, and Southern-style sides. Known for its focus on quality, hospitality, and an efficient dine-in and drive-thru experience, Slim Chickens offers a modern twist on Southern comfort food. Franchisees benefit from a strong brand, innovative menu, and scalable restaurant model.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
High Average Unit Volume: Proven fast-casual model yielding competitive gross sales across diverse US markets.
Diversified Revenue Streams: Integrated multi-channel sales strategy leveraging drive-thru, online ordering, catering, and delivery.
Streamlined Operations: Focused, high-efficiency menu that keeps food waste low and kitchen workflows simple.
Strong Category Demand: Operates in the booming chicken fast-casual sector, one of the fastest-growing restaurant segments in the country.
Scalable Multi-Unit Model: Optimized for experienced franchise operators looking to build multi-unit portfolios in prime suburban and urban markets.
Background
Chicken continues to be one of the strongest categories within the fast-casual restaurant industry, and Slim Chickens has developed a distinctive concept around premium, hand-prepared chicken. The brand focuses on serving fresh, high-quality meals in a welcoming environment designed to create a comfortable experience for families, friends, and individual guests.
At the heart of the menu are 100% all-natural chicken tenders, which are marinated in a Southern-style buttermilk blend and hand-breaded fresh for each order. Customers can also choose from a variety of sandwiches, salads, wraps, and other menu options, with customizable meals adding additional flexibility to the dining experience.
With more than 300 locations operating and over 1,200 additional restaurants in development, Slim Chickens continues to pursue growth through franchise partnerships. Franchise owners receive extensive development assistance, including trade area analysis, site selection, location approval, analytics tools, and comprehensive project management support.
Marketing support extends from the beginning of the franchise relationship through ongoing operations. Franchisees benefit from public relations campaigns, pre-opening marketing programs, grand opening strategies, field marketing assistance, and an annual marketing calendar designed to support local growth.
The brand also provides resources for managing the financial side of the business, including accounting system integration, financial templates, profit-and-loss reviews, and back-office support. Strong vendor relationships further help franchisees access established business resources and operational advantages.
Ongoing support includes dedicated field consultants, business planning, operational reviews, and territory development assistance. Each restaurant is designed to create a distinctive local atmosphere, featuring community-inspired murals, modern open layouts, comfortable family-friendly seating, and Delta Blues-inspired music. This combination of quality food, flexible menu choices, and an engaging restaurant environment helps Slim Chickens stand out in the competitive fast-casual chicken market.
Established Year: Founded in 2003 in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
First Franchise: 2011
Founders: Tom Gordon and Greg Smart.
Active Units: 316
Industry Category: Fast-Casual / Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR).
Market Presence: Widespread footprint across the US, with strong regional density in the South and Midwest, actively expanding nationwide.
Headquarters: Fayetteville, AR 72703
Support Training
Slim Chickens offers comprehensive training and ongoing support to its franchise partners, including:
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Initial Training: 4-6 weeks of classroom and in-store instruction covering operations, food preparation, and customer service.
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Site Selection & Build-Out Support: Assistance with market analysis, site selection, construction, and layout.
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Marketing & Grand Opening: Customized marketing plans, local store promotions, and launch support.
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Ongoing Operations Support: Regular field visits, performance evaluations, operational coaching, and access to the franchisee portal.
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Supply Chain & Tech: Partnerships with trusted suppliers and access to modern POS and inventory systems.
Ideal Candidate
Slim Chickens seeks passionate, business-minded individuals or multi-unit operators with:
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Restaurant or retail management experience (preferred, not required)
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A strong commitment to customer service
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Financial capability to support startup and operational expenses
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Willingness to engage with the brand and actively participate in operations
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Ability to manage a team and uphold Slim Chickens’ standards
Financial Detail
| Financial Requirement | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $15,000 - $30,000 |
| Total Initial Investment | $1,228,900 – $4,052,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | $500,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% of Gross Sales |
| National Advertising Fee | 3% of Gross Sales |
| Infrastructure & Equipment Cost | $295,000 – $345,000 |
| Working Capital | $40,000 – $65,000 |
| Revenue Streams | Dine-In, Drive-Thru, Delivery, Takeout, Catering |
| Technology Charge | $25+ per week |
| Financing Availability | Third-party financing |
| Agreement Duration | 10 years |
| Renewal Option | Yes |
| Veteran Incentive | N/A |