---
title: "Slim Chickens signs 10-unit Texas deal with experienced restauranteur"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/3acee56b-c714-4ab9-92ba-00ed783a168c
source: "Global Franchise"
original_url: https://www.global-franchise.com/news/slim-chickens-signs-10-unit-texas-deal-with-experienced-restauranteur
author: "Kieran M"
category: "Restaurants"
industry: "Restaurants"
topics: ["Development & multi-unit"]
published: 2021-04-23T09:00:00.000Z
modified: 2026-10-31T16:51:25.550Z
image: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1568901346375-23c9450c58cd?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop
---

# Slim Chickens signs 10-unit Texas deal with experienced restauranteur

**TL;DR:** Slim Chickens has signed a 10-unit franchising agreement with Dennis Ekstrom to develop new locations in New Mexico and Texas. Ekstrom, an experienced multi-unit owner, will open the first location in 2021.

*By Kieran M, originally published in Global Franchise on 2021-04-23. [Read the original](https://www.global-franchise.com/news/slim-chickens-signs-10-unit-texas-deal-with-experienced-restauranteur).*

## Story

Slim Chickens has announced yet another multi-unit franchising agreement that will see 10 new restaurants be developed by Dennis Ekstrom, an experienced multi-unit owner.

The new locations are set to open throughout New Mexico and El Paso, Texas, with the first opening in 2021. Ekstrom is specifically targeting sites across Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Las Cruces and El Paso, to name a few.

“Slim Chickens is the perfect addition to my portfolio. When I was introduced to the Slim Chickens brand, I was immediately sold on the concept – this brand is something special to be a part of,” said Ekstrom. “The current momentum behind Slim Chickens made now the perfect time to franchise. I was impressed with how the brand has grown and led the fast-casual space in recent months.”

With more than 30 years of restaurant ownership experience, Ekstrom is the exact kind of franchise partner that Slim Chickens is looking to develop new sites with. He is also the multi-unit owner of 10 Del Taco restaurants.

“Dennis is exactly the kind of franchisee we’re seeking to expand the brand into new markets,” said Jackie Lobdell, vice president of franchise development at Slim Chickens. “His professional background in the restaurant and franchise industry is exactly what we look for as we sign franchisees across the county.”

Slim Chickens currently operates 125 locations across the U.S., U.K., and Kuwait, and currently has over 500 units in development; meaning that it’s well on its way to achieving its goal of opening 600 sites.

## Entities

- Restaurants (sector)
- Global Franchise (publication)
- multi-unit development (topic)
- Kieran M (person)
- restaurant expansion (topic)
- Slim Chickens (company)
- Jackie Lobdell (person)
- Del Taco (company)
- franchising agreement (topic)

---
Originally reported by Kieran M, Global Franchise (https://www.global-franchise.com/news/slim-chickens-signs-10-unit-texas-deal-with-experienced-restauranteur). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/3acee56b-c714-4ab9-92ba-00ed783a168c).