---
title: "Slim Chickens Celebrates First Opening of 2022"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/d2c60737-29f5-44cd-baf9-836046e7ea59
source: "Franchising.com"
original_url: https://www.franchising.com/news/20220126_slim_chickens_celebrates_first_opening_of_2022.html
category: "Chicken"
industry: "Restaurants"
segment: "Chicken"
topics: ["Development & multi-unit"]
published: 2022-01-26T12:00:00.000Z
modified: 2026-11-01T01:09:58.812Z
image: https://imgs.franchising.com/brands/social/slimchickens.jpg
---

# Slim Chickens Celebrates First Opening of 2022

**TL;DR:** Slim Chickens has opened its fourth Alabama location in Muscle Shoals, bringing its total to 13 locations in the state. The brand has over 150 locations across the US and UK, and more than 750 locations in development.

*originally published in Franchising.com on 2022-01-26. [Read the original](https://www.franchising.com/news/20220126_slim_chickens_celebrates_first_opening_of_2022.html).*

## Story

The better-chicken brand has opened more than 150 locations across the United States and the United Kingdom, and is known for its passionate group of followers in the markets in which it operates. With more than 750 locations in development, the brand’s momentum shows no signs of slowing down.

“We are kicking off the new year strong with Dixie Chicken by ringing in our first location of 2022. Muscle Shoals residents will love our fresh offerings and southern comfort environment,” said Jackie Lobdell, vice president of franchise development at Slim Chickens. “Working with experienced, dedicated operating groups like Dixie Chicken will continue to help Slims grow into communities across the country – we are excited to connect with even more experienced franchise groups throughout the year.”

The brand prides itself on its cooked-to-order fresh food and strong devoted fanbase, also known as “Slimthusiasts.” 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 segment, 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 open and inviting layout of Slim Chickens restaurants, which speak to the hospitality mindset that anchors the brand.

The Slim Chickens franchise opportunity differentiates itself with prime markets available for multi-unit development, a passionate leadership team and 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 150 Slim Chickens locations open and 750 restaurants in development. The brand, which recently launched a strategic multi-unit franchise growth initiative to reach 700 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.

## Entities

- Franchising.com (publication)
- Restaurants (sector)
- unit expansion (topic)
- franchise growth (topic)
- multi-unit development (topic)
- Slim Chickens (company)
- Jackie Lobdell (person)
- Alabama (location)
- better chicken segment (topic)
- Muscle Shoals (location)

---
Originally reported by Franchising.com (https://www.franchising.com/news/20220126_slim_chickens_celebrates_first_opening_of_2022.html). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/d2c60737-29f5-44cd-baf9-836046e7ea59).