Slim Chickens Makes Ireland Debut with First Restaurant in Dublin

Located in the Dundrum Town Centre, one of Ireland’s premier shopping and dining destinations, the restaurant serves as a lunch point for the brand’s entry into the Irish market and demonstrates the system’s ability to adapt to high-footfall, urban retail environments while maintain operational consistency.

The better-chicken brand has opened 330+ locations across the United States, Turkey, Germany, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, and now, Ireland. Slim Chickens is known and loved for its hand-breaded, cooked-to-order tenders and passionate followers within its markets. With over 1,000 locations in development, the brand’s momentum continues to prove its stronghold in its segment.

“This opening represents an important moment for Slim Chickens as we enter Ireland for the first time,” said Jackie Lobdell, Vice President of Franchise Development at Slim Chickens. “This opening reflects our focus on partnering with operators who have a proven ability to scale brands thoughtfully in new markets while maintaining strong unit-level execution.”

Slim Chickens has distinguished itself in the “better-chicken” segment by offering high-quality food and 14 house dipping sauces, allowing customers to enjoy a different flavor profile with each visit. Its menu is broader than many in the segment, offering chicken tenders, salads, sandwiches, chicken and waffles, chicken wings, and unique side items. Fans also resonate with the Southern contemporary look and feel, as well as the open and inviting layout of Slim Chickens restaurants, which speak to the hospitality mindset that anchors the brand.

“Working with Boparan Restaurant Group has been an incredible journey,” said Sam Rothschild, Chief International Officer at Slim Chickens. “They share our passion for authentic hospitality and quality food, and their commitment shines through in every new opening. We’re building something meaningful that resonates with the communities we serve across the UK, and we’re looking forward to growing Slim Chickens' shared vision as they take on Ireland.”

The leading fast casual chicken brand stands out as a premier franchising opportunity, offering prime multi-unit development territories, a passionate leadership team, and a world-class franchisee support system. Awarding franchise opportunities to qualified, experienced, and passionate multi-unit groups looking to add a dynamic segment to their portfolio, Slim Chickens is targeting several national markets including Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Connecticut, and California as well as overseas in Europe, Asia, the GCC, and beyond.

Slim Chickens, a leading fast casual franchise that features dine-in and drive-through in the better-chicken segment, opened in 2003 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Offering high-quality food with a focus on delicious ingredients, the brand prides itself on its Southern flair and commitment to hospitality, all in a fast-casual setting. Food is fresh cooked-to-order, and the differentiated menu features chicken tenders, fresh salads, sandwiches, chicken and waffles, chicken wings, and unique side items, alongside 14 house dipping sauces.

Slim Chickens is a fast-casual brand in the better-chicken segment, built to scale across markets with flexible formats. Its diverse menu, cooked-to-order quality, and Southern hospitality continue to drive strong growth.