Slim Chickens launches ambitious expansion plan across Germany

Fayetteville-based restaurant chain Slim Chickens has kicked off a 20-unit development plan in Germany.

According to a news release Tuesday (April 30), Slim Chickens is partnering with Foodelity Group for the expansion. Foodelity Group is a sub-franchisee of Boparan Restaurant Group, which operates 51 Slim Chickens stores across the UK and Turkey.

The established multi-unit operator has several international franchises under its portfolio and plans to continue its expansion with Slim Chickens.

“We are really pleased to be working with Foodelity Group,” said Satnam Leihal, CEO of BRG. “Over the past several months, we have developed a deep partnership, and we look forward to supporting the growth of the Slim Chickens brand across Germany.”

Slim Chickens has opened more than 265 locations across the United States, Turkey, and the United Kingdom, and has more than 1,200 locations in development.

“I’m excited to be bringing fresh, delicious chicken to Berlin and beyond,” said Max Beautler, CEO of the Foodelity Group. “I have been thoroughly impressed with the food quality, standards and service that Slim Chickens UK delivers day in and day out. It’s a brand I love, and our team has been training in the UK for months to ensure that we can offer chicken lovers in Berlin the same fresh, delicious experience. We look forward to opening our first site soon.”

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.

“We have developed a great partnership with Boparan Restaurant Group collaborating with our knowledge, capabilities, and support that now enables Slim Chickens to initiate a relationship with Foodelity,” said Sam Rothschild, COO of Slim Chickens. “We are thrilled to introduce Slims quality food and hospitality that will drive Slim Chickens as an exceptional fast-casual chicken brand across Germany and beyond.”

Slim Chickens has experienced a 70% restaurant growth over the last three years and opened 53 stores in 2023.

“Boparan Restaurant Group has been an ideal operator for Slims’ as we expand our footprint in new global markets,” said Jackie Lobdell, vice president of franchise development at Slim Chickens. “Now, with Foodelity, we are thrilled to be able to extend an exceptional better-chicken brand and our beloved Southern Hospitality into Germany. We are looking forward to seeing the success of our partnership and their passion for quality food, service, and standards shared in their community. As we continue to grow our footprint internationally, we are pleased to work with established and reputable multi-unit restaurant groups like them and establish Slims as a familiar name across the globe.”