--- title: "Slim Chickens Enters New Jersey with 17-Unit Signed Agreement" url: https://burnaze.com/article/a8c493eb-b2c1-4aac-83c0-b93bcab9f884 source: "Franchising.com" original_url: https://www.franchising.com/news/20260216_slim_chickens_enters_new_jersey_with_17unit_signed_agreement.html category: "Chicken" industry: "Restaurants" segment: "Chicken" published: 2026-02-16T12:00:00.000Z modified: 2026-10-31T17:07:17.561Z image: https://imgs.franchising.com/brands/social/slimchickens.jpg --- # Slim Chickens Enters New Jersey with 17-Unit Signed Agreement **TL;DR:** Slim Chickens has signed a 17-unit agreement for development in New Jersey, with the first location expected to open in 2027. The brand is targeting markets in the Northeast, including Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Ohio, for expansion. *originally published in Franchising.com on 2026-02-16. [Read the original](https://www.franchising.com/news/20260216_slim_chickens_enters_new_jersey_with_17unit_signed_agreement.html).* ## Key facts - Slim Chickens signs 17-unit deal in New Jersey - First location to open in 2027 - Expansion targets Northeast markets ## Story ## New Jersey expansion The agreement includes planned development across Middlesex, Mercer, and Essex counties, with the first new location expected to open in 2027. The deal reflects growing demand for premium, chicken-first QSR concepts in high-density markets and Slim Chickens’ disciplined approach to regional expansion. The agreement stems from a New Jersey–based operator with local market knowledge and a long-term growth mindset. After seeing Slim Chickens’ performance across established U.S. markets, the group identified the brand as a strong fit for New Jersey’s evolving consumer preferences and diverse real estate opportunities. “Slim Chickens stood out to us as a concept with tremendous momentum and a clear vision for the future,” said a representative from the operating group. “We were looking to grow with a brand that delivers great food and offers a guest experience that feels genuine. Slim Chickens’ appeal, strong leadership team and commitment to quality made it the right fit, and we look forward to bringing Slims to New Jersey.” ## Northeast growth plans The New Jersey agreement strengthens Slim Chickens’ broader expansion across the Northeast, where the brand is actively targeting markets including Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Ohio. Franchisees benefit from a range of proven development options, like freestanding drive-thrus, endcaps, conversions, in-line restaurants, drive-thru-only Fly-Thru formats, and non-traditional locations. allowing operators to adapt to varied real estate and trade areas. Beyond domestic growth, Slim Chickens is also accelerating its international expansion, reinforcing its position as a global powerhouse. “This agreement reflects the momentum Slim Chickens continues to build with experienced operators who see the long-term potential of a chicken-first brand built to scale,” said Jackie Lobdell, Vice President of Franchise Development for Slim Chickens. “New Jersey is a high-opportunity market, and this deal underscores the confidence operators have in our model, our flexibility, and our growth trajectory.” Slim Chickens remains committed to awarding franchise opportunities to qualified multi-unit operators who are looking to invest in a differentiated and scalable fast-casual concept. Nearly 75% of Slim Chickens’ multi-unit franchisees are actively developing, a powerful testament to the brand’s momentum. With more than 1,000 units in development, Slim Chickens offers prime multi-unit development territories, a passionate leadership team, and a world-class franchisee support system. 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 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 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. ## Entities - Franchising.com (publication) - Restaurants (sector) - unit expansion (topic) - new jersey (location) - Slim Chickens (company) - Jackie Lobdell (person) - regional expansion (topic) - new jersey market (topic) - northeast growth (topic) - Middlesex (location) - Mercer (location) - Essex (location) --- Originally reported by Franchising.com (https://www.franchising.com/news/20260216_slim_chickens_enters_new_jersey_with_17unit_signed_agreement.html). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/a8c493eb-b2c1-4aac-83c0-b93bcab9f884).