Slim Chickens Named to Fast Casual’s “Top 100 Movers & Shakers” List

Slim Chickens is giving people something to cluck about - the better-chicken brand was recently ranked number 15 on Fast Casual’s “Top 100 Movers and Shakers” list.

The rapidly-growing better-chicken brand made 2021 a year to remember. From inking 350 signed agreements with nearly 40 openings, to entering several new markets, Slim Chickens growth momentum shows no signs of slowing down. The brand also experienced a 25% positive comp store sales growth.

“Being recognized on the Movers and Shakers list, especially after moving up more than thirty spots from last year, is always an honor,” said Jackie Lobdell, vice president of franchise development at Slim Chickens. “The growth that we continue to see at Slim Chickens is surely something to make noise around. We are looking forward to joining new communities across the world and serving even more Slimthusiasts!”

For nearly 20 years, Fast Casual has provided its annual “Top 100 Movers and Shakers” ranking in acknowledgment of the nation’s most innovative, creative and successful restaurant brands and leaders. To earn a place on the prestigious list, hundreds of submissions are reviewed by a panel of judges who select 75 brands and 25 executives for recognition.

With hundreds of thousands of happy customers, the brand has developed a strong devoted fanbase, also known as “Slimthusiasts,” helping to fuel demand for the hand-breaded, cooked-to-order tenders. Slim Chickens has distinguished itself in the “better chicken” segment by offering high-quality food and 17 house-made dipping sauces, allowing customers to enjoy a different flavor profile with each visit. Its menu is broader than many in the category, offering chicken tenders, fresh salads, sandwiches, chicken and waffles, chicken wings and unique side items.

Fans also resonate with the southern contemporary look and feel and the open and inviting layout of Slim Chickens restaurants, which speak to the hospitality mindset that anchors the brand.

Slim Chickens’ franchise opportunity differentiates itself with prime markets available for multi-unit development, a passionate leadership team and a world-class franchisee support system. As Slim Chickens expands, it is awarding franchise opportunities to qualified, experienced and passionate multi-unit groups looking to add a dynamic segment to their portfolio.

Slim Chickens, a leading fast casual franchise which 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 fresh, delicious ingredients, the brand prides itself on its southern flair and commitment to hospitality, all in a fast-casual setting. Food is cooked to order, and the differentiated menu features chicken tenders, fresh salads, sandwiches, chicken and waffles, chicken wings and unique side items, alongside 17 house-made dipping sauces.

Today, there are more than 165 Slim Chickens locations open and 850 restaurants in development. The brand, which recently launched a strategic multi-unit franchise growth initiative to reach 600 units in 10 years, is targeting qualified and experienced multi-unit groups to develop in dynamic markets across the country.

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.