Slim Chickens opened 53 stores in 2023; targets 70 in 2024

2023 was a history-making year for Fayetteville-based Slim Chickens, and the company’s trajectory aims even higher in 2024.

The fast-growing chicken chain closed out the year with a record 53 new store openings. Heading into 2024, the brand is slated to open 70 locations with over 1,200 in the development pipeline, opening one to two locations a week coast to coast and overseas.

“We have tallied up an impressive year of growth into new markets on a national and global scale more than ever before, and we could not be prouder,” said Jackie Lobdell, vice president of franchise development. “We are honored to have a dedicated team of skilled and knowledgeable franchisees who continue to extend our southern hospitality to new markets around the world.”

Slim Chickens, which has more than 250 stores in the U.S. and overseas, has grown its footprint by 70% in the past three years. Some notable openings last year occurred in the world’s largest airport in Istanbul, Turkey, introductions in Nevada, Indiana and Wisconsin and the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith.

The brand’s AUV (annual unit volume) across locations increased 13.6% year-over-year to $3.86 million.

“We have spent a lot of time and investment in the people that enable us to do this,” COO Sam Rothschild said. “We understand what it takes to support our franchisees, and we have the systems and processes in place to do so. There is still a lot of opportunity in the U.S. to grow Slim Chickens, and we are thrilled to continue to enter new and current markets with established multi-unit operators who are eager to join us in growth mode.”

Tom Gordon and Greg Smart co-founded Slim Chickens in 2003 and started franchising a decade later. In July 2019, the growth potential attracted investment from 10 Point Capital, an Atlanta-based private equity firm.