Slim Chickens signs deal for 1st Virginia restaurants

Global restaurant chain Slim Chickens of Fayetteville has opened more than 250 locations across the United States and the United Kingdom. With more than 1,150 locations in development, the brand’s momentum shows no signs of slowing down.

In late November, the company announced a multi-unit deal to open its first restaurants in Virginia. Restaurant operators Oubab and Lama Khalil, principals of Khalil and Hamoudi S.L. Companies LLC, plan to open five restaurants in Winchester and Harrisonburg in northern Virginia. Apart from owning and operating Tropical Smoothie Cafes with more in development, the group also owns a specialty coffee shop.

“Reputable operating groups like Khalil and Hamoudi S.L. Companies LLC are prime examples of who we look for to extend our inviting atmosphere, original recipe, and southern hospitality with more people across the globe,” Slim Chickens COO Sam Rothschild said.

Slim Chickens has grown its footprint 60% the past two years. The brand’s AUV (annual unit volume) increased 13.6% year-over-year to $3.86 million.

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.