Slim Chickens has some 300 locations globally, including this restaurant in Pearland, Texas.
By Joshua Burd
Fast casual chain Slim Chickens is eyeing a major expansion in New Jersey with a newly announced development agreement in Middlesex, Mercer and Essex counties.
The dine-in and drive-thru concept, which is based in Fayetteville, Arkansas, said the pact with a local operator includes 17 locations slated to open starting in 2027. While it did not disclose specific sites, the company said the franchisee brings local market knowledge and saw Slim Chickens as a strong fit for New Jersey’s evolving consumer preferences and diverse real estate opportunities, having seen its performance across established U.S. markets.
The agreement also dovetails with the chain’s broader regional growth strategy that includes markets in Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Ohio.
“Slim Chickens stood out to us as a concept with tremendous momentum and a clear vision for the future,” said a representative from the undisclosed operating group. “We were looking to grow with a brand that delivers great food and offers a guest experience that feels genuine. Slim Chickens’ appeal, strong leadership team and commitment to quality made it the right fit, and we look forward to bringing Slims to New Jersey.”
Slim Chickens said it was committed to awarding franchise opportunities to qualified multi-unit operators who are looking to invest in a differentiated and scalable fast-casual concept. Nearly 75 percent of its multi-unit franchisees are actively developing, reflecting the brand’s momentum with a pipeline that includes more than 1,000 units in development.
Franchisees benefit from a range of proven development options, including freestanding drive-thrus, endcaps, conversions, in-line restaurants, drive-thru-only Fly-Thru formats and nontraditional locations. That allows operators to adapt to varied real estate and trade areas.
“This agreement reflects the momentum Slim Chickens continues to build with experienced operators who see the long-term potential of a chicken-first brand built to scale,” said Jackie Lobdell, the company’s vice president of franchise development. “New Jersey is a high-opportunity market, and this deal underscores the confidence operators have in our model, our flexibility and our growth trajectory.”
