Slim Chickens signs new franchise partner for Ireland

Boparan Restaurant Group (BRG) has secured its first franchise partner, OCO Westend, for Ireland as the group continues to accelerate the growth of its ‘better chicken’ brand, Slim Chickens.

An established hospitality franchisee, and one of Starbucks’ longest licensed partners, OCO Westend will open Slim Chickens’ 30th site and its first for Ireland on Belfast’s Boucher Square on 11 October.

Satnam Leihal, CEO at BRG said: “Slim Chickens is a highly scalable brand and we are delighted to have secured an experienced operator that gives us a foothold in Ireland. We have ambitious plans to open more sites in Belfast and look forward to working with OCO Westend to bring Slim Chickens’ unique Southern hospitality to Ireland.”

The new 2800 sq ft, 74-cover restaurant will nod to the brand’s U.S. aesthetic, featuring exposed brick, industrial beams and the brand’s signature red colorway. On offer will be Slim Chickens’ signature buttermilk-marinated, hand-breaded tenders and 14 house-made sauces alongside freshly prepared salads, sandwiches, buffalo wings, wraps and waffles as well as sides of mac & cheese, fried pickles and Texas toast.

A forerunner in the ‘better chicken’ market, the brand was founded by Tom Gordon and Greg Smart in 2003 and currently operates more than 100 restaurants in the U.S.