---
title: "Slim Chickens Takes Flight with Opening in XNA Airport"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/3ceb867d-8835-45eb-a9a7-2889225390ba
source: "Franchising.com"
original_url: https://www.franchising.com/news/20240221_slim_chickens_takes_flight_with_opening_in_xna_airport.html
category: "Restaurants"
industry: "Restaurants"
topics: ["Development & multi-unit"]
published: 2024-02-21T12:00:00.000Z
modified: 2026-11-01T22:32:43.344Z
image: https://imgs.franchising.com/brands/social/slimchickens.jpg
---

# Slim Chickens Takes Flight with Opening in XNA Airport

**TL;DR:** Slim Chickens has opened a new restaurant in Northwest Arkansas National Airport, its first location with operator Philip Enterprises. The brand has over 255 locations across the US and UK, known for its hand-breaded chicken tenders and passionate fanbase.

*originally published in Franchising.com on 2024-02-21. [Read the original](https://www.franchising.com/news/20240221_slim_chickens_takes_flight_with_opening_in_xna_airport.html).*

## Story

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Slim Chickens announced today its new restaurant opening in the Northwest Arkansas National Airport. Spearheaded by Northwest Arkansas Native and established operator of Philip Enterprises, this is the group’s first Slims opening.

The brand has opened more than 255 locations across the United States and the United Kingdom. The brand is known and loved for its hand-breaded, cooked-to-order tenders and passionate group of followers within the markets it operates.

“We are thrilled to share our mouthwatering chicken tenders with even more members of the community throughout Northwest Arkansas,” said Jackie Lobdell, Vice President of Franchise Development at Slim Chickens. “The XNA airport is the perfect fit for Slim Chickens as we grow our reputation with busy professionals, families, and university students and are grateful for the reputable operating group, Philip Enterprises for spearheading the location.”

The brand prides itself on its cooked-to-order fresh food and strong devoted fanbase, also known as “Slimthusiasts.” Slim Chickens has distinguished itself by offering high-quality food and 17 house-made dipping sauces, allowing customers to enjoy a different flavor profile with each visit. Its menu offers chicken tenders, fresh 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.

“We are thrilled to introduce our southern atmosphere and cooked-to-order chicken tenders at the XNA Airport.” said Sam Rothschild, COO of Slim Chickens. “We are so thankful for operators like Philip Enterprises who are dedicated to sharing our name with more members of the community.”

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.

## Entities

- Franchising.com (publication)
- Restaurants (sector)
- restaurant opening (topic)
- fast casual (topic)
- brand growth (topic)
- Slim Chickens (company)
- Jackie Lobdell (person)
- Sam Rothschild (person)
- airport expansion (topic)
- chicken tenders (topic)
- Northwest Arkansas National Airport (location)

---
Originally reported by Franchising.com (https://www.franchising.com/news/20240221_slim_chickens_takes_flight_with_opening_in_xna_airport.html). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/3ceb867d-8835-45eb-a9a7-2889225390ba).