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Popular Southern Chicken Chain To Open Third Charlotte Store As Part Of Rapid Expansion

A popular chicken chain is expanding in the Charlotte region again.

Slim Chickens will open on Monday, Oct. 16, at 948 Concord Pkwy. N. In Concord, just over a mile from Carolina Mall. This will be the Arkansas-based fast-casual chain's third Charlotte area location to open in 18 months.

Along with its chicken sandwich, Slim Chickens' menu includes wings and tenders, wraps and salads, plus desserts served in a jar. Sides include fried pickles, fried okra and macaroni and cheese.

Slim Chickens joins a saturated fast-food chicken sandwich market that includes hometown Bojangles, Chick-fil-A and Dave's Hot Chicken.

Slim Chickens stores typically hire about 120 full- and part-time employees.

More Slim Chickens

Slim Chickens has rapidly been expanding since making its debut in the Carolinas in March 2022 at 5535 Prosperity Ridge Road in University City.

In July, Slim Chickens opened a store in Monroe following a March opening in in Fort Mill, S.C.

The openings are part of a larger plan to launch as many as 15 stores in the Charlotte market, Slim Chickens franchise owner Jonathan Crumpler previously told The Charlotte Observer.

The rapid expansion also includes stores throughout the Carolinas.

The Slim Chickens in Concord will be the fifth in North Carolina. Other locations are in Pembroke and Jacksonville. Two other locations are planned in Southern Pines and High Point.

The first South Carolina store opened in August 2022 in Columbia. Two more restaurants are planned in Columbia, as well as Moncks Corner.

About Slim Chickens

Slim Chickens opened in Fayetteville, Arkansas, 20 years ago. There are more than 200 locations in the U.S., plus Kuwait and the United Kingdom, according to the company.

There are over 500 restaurants in development worldwide, including in Istanbul, Malaysia and throughout Europe.

Charlotte chicken competition

Charlotte's chicken competition shows no signs of slowing down.

In September, the popular Southern chicken chain Chick-fil-A said it will invest $58.3 million to open a distribution center that will create more than 110 jobs in Kannapolis. The facility is expected to open in the third quarter of next year.

The Atlanta-based chain also is opening a store at 8428 University City Blvd. After the demolition of a former Hardee's that started this summer. Chick-fil-A also recently opened drive-thru-only stores in Belmont and Mint Hill.

In February, Los Angeles-based chicken chain Dave's Hot Chicken opened its second Charlotte store at 8932 J.M. Keynes Drive in University City. The chain known for Nashville-style chicken opened its first local store in September 2022 at 1300 The Plaza in Plaza Midwood.

And the iconic chicken-and-biscuit chain Bojangles has been expanding nationally, most recently debuting in Texas. Bojangles also plans drive-thru-only stores at 3809 E. Independence Blvd. And 300 West Ave.

Slim Chickens Brings Its Famous Fried Chicken To Wesley Chapel

WESLEY CHAPEL, FL — Slim Chickens, a leader in the "better chicken" segment of fast-casual restaurants, will continue the expansion of its 100 percent all-natural, fresh chicken in Florida with its newest opening at 27244 Wesley Chapel Blvd, Wesley Chapel, on Sept. 28.

Wesley Chapel resident Charlie Blumberg and his partners are excited to introduce the concept to the growing community of Wesley Chapel. Not only is Blumberg looking forward to bringing a new food option to the area, but he's also looking forward to providing job opportunities and kicking off careers for residents in the community.

"We have upper management who started as hourly employees and worked their way up to owning a restaurant," said Blumberg. "I want to find the next person who will be with us for 15 years."

Aside from bringing its famous fried chicken and Southern-inspired sides to the area, the new Slim Chickens location in Wesley Chapel will also make a positive economic impact with over 75 new jobs anticipated for creation in the community.

The Wesley Chapel opening is one piece in Slim Chickens' larger growth story. Since its founding in 2003 in Fayetteville, Arkansas, the brand has celebrated over 200 locations opened and a following in 33 U.S. States, as well as international locations in the United Kingdom, with an overall goal of opening 600 restaurants by 2025. In Florida alone, the brand has already grown to eight locations.

"Our freshly made Southern dishes and homemade recipes create loyal guests who feel good about the food they're eating and we're proud to be able to grow our loyal fan base into the Wesley Chapel market," said Slim Chickens Chief Operating Officer Sam Rothschild.

By focusing on providing only 100 percent fresh, all-natural chicken tenders that are buttermilk-marinated, hand-breaded and always cooked fresh-to-order, the brand has committed to providing a "better chicken" experience.

In addition, a choice of 17 housemade sauces adds flavor and has earned admiration from both guests and critics alike. Slim Chickens also offers fresh sandwiches, salads, wraps and its signature chicken and waffles. To offset the savory side of the menu, rotating desserts served in Mason jars are also available.

Additionally, Slim Chickens is bringing back Mac Bowls featuring all-natural chicken tenders and mac & cheese made with a three-cheese blend of cheddar, Colby and aged Parmesan. Order a Tender Mac Bowl, or try the Buffalo Tender Mac featuring spicy Buffalo and cayenne ranch sauces tossed with shredded Cheddar Jack cheese and scallions.

Slim Chickens Opening In Colorado Springs

Slim Chickens announced its new restaurant opening at 4265 Austin Bluffs Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO 80917. Spearheaded by the established multi-unit operating group, Mile High Chicken, this is their 10th restaurant opening.

The better-chicken brand has opened more than 245 locations across the United States and the United Kingdom. The brand is known and loved for its hand-breaded, cooked-to-order tenders and passionate group of followers within the markets it operates. With more than 1,150 locations in development, the brand's momentum continues to prove its stronghold in its segment. 

"We are looking forward to bringing our infamous cooked-to-order chicken tenders to more communities in Colorado," said Jackie Lobdell, vice president of franchise development at Slim Chickens. "Growing our loyal following to the residents of Colorado Springs is so exciting as we continue to see local residents embrace our southern hospitality and inviting atmosphere. Operating groups like Mile High Chicken are prime examples of whom we seek as we continue to grow nationwide."

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, as well as the open and inviting layout of Slim Chickens restaurants, which speak to the hospitality mindset that anchors the brand.

"As we continue to extend generations of our original quality recipe across the United States and overseas, each location we open signifies the success in the service and support systems we have implemented for Slim Chickens franchise owners," says Sam Rothschild, COO of Slim Chickens. "We are honored to work with well-established operating groups like Mile High Chicken who enable us to continue to expand our household name to communities across the globe."

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.

News and information presented in this release has not been corroborated by WTWH Media LLC.

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