"Better chicken" comes for Europe

This rapidly growing "better chicken" company was founded in 2003 by Tom Gordon and Greg Smart in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Slim Chickens offers chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders and wings in the classic, tasty American delta style. Cooked to order, items are served with their handmade dipping sauces which are made from scratch.

The company’s soul food culture has built a fanatical following in 11 states across the US, which now boast over 100 stores. Slim Chickens have had the early foresight to pursue the obvious opportunites beckoning abroad and now has established stores in the Middle East and in the UK.

The American fast-foot restaurant said recently they intend to grow a global footprint of over 600 stores in the next decade. With 350 stores in now in development, this might prove to be a modest target as the company looks to expand across Europe.

The brand is a powerful emerging franchise, which has been successfully competing with the likes of KFC and Popeyes in both the US, and more recently in the UK. The brand set its sights on the United Kingdom in 2018, and despite the global pandemic is now operating 20 stores. This has been largely attributed to their partnership with the Boparan Restaurant Group (BRG).

“As we continue to expand across the globe, we are grateful for having great franchise partners like Boparan Restaurant Group guiding our growth,” Jackie Lobdell, Vice President of Franchise Development at Slim Chickens, said in a press release opening their latest store.

“Their (BRG’s) passion for the Slim Chickens brand and dedication to bringing our amazing flavours and southern comfort environment to communities across the UK is admirable.”

Due to the agreements in place with Boparan Restaurant Group there are currently no opportunities for franchisees in the UK. However, the company is looking for the right people with an appetite for multiple units to help bring better chicken to new markets across Europe. They are presently focusing on France, Spain, Germany, Poland, Netherlands, Italy and the Czech Republic.

As a company Slim Chickens delivers a fabulous customer experience and offers operators a highly profitable, uncomplicated model. Furthermore, trends in the better chicken category suggest such restaurants are poised for significant grown in both the UK and Europe.

FRANCHISE UNITS

155+ locations worldwide (350+ more now in development)

Current locations include:

• USA
• UK
• Middle East

FRANCHISEE REQUIREMENTS

As well as an appetite for multiple units, potential partners will likely be either an existing experienced branded food and beverage franchisee looking to diversify their business; or an individual or consortia of investors seeking to create their own business with a proven food brand. Together with a passion for great food and hospitality, Slim Chickens would be most interested in entering talks with those who can offer the ability to source suitable locations, understand how to operate with excellence and deliver exceptional customer experiences having put together the right team.

SUPPORT FOR THE FRANCHISE

Potential franchise partners will be showcased the offer at one of their current stores. If both parties wish to pursue an agreement, there will be an opportunity to meet with the Slim Chickens UK executive team to get all their questions answered.

BASIC NETWORK REQUIREMENTS

Slim Chickens franchisee’s will sign a development agreement to open five stores within four years within their trade zones. From site identification, store design, build, launch and ongoing performance, Slim Chickens has a group of approved suppliers and an in-house support team on hand to help maximise success.

KEY FIGURES

• 10-year franchise agreement - with a right of renewal for a further 5-year term
• £50,000 initial fees for five stores and £17,000 per store on opening
• Minimum Investment: £750,000