Slim Chickens, the fast-casual chicken brand known for its hand-breaded tenders, housemade sauces, and Southern hospitality, has officially opened its newest Arizona location at 14765 W. McDowell Road in Goodyear as of June 16.
The opening marks the latest milestone in a bold statewide expansion led by Barnett Management Company, according to inbusinessPHX. This Goodyear launch is part of a long-term franchise agreement signed in 2021, when Barnett Management announced its plans to bring 32 Slim Chickens locations to Arizona over the next decade. With the recent announcement of a forthcoming Gilbert store and a growing footprint that now includes four operational restaurants in the state, the “better chicken” brand is quickly taking root across the Valley. Behind the expansion is second-generation franchisee Lucas Barnett, whose deep industry experience, starting in his family’s Burger King restaurants and later in Aerospace and Defense M&A, has shaped a customer-focused, operationally efficient business philosophy.
“It’s about building great teams, delivering consistent quality, and creating experiences guests can count on,” Barnett said in a news release. “Slim Chickens is a young, exciting brand with a ton of growth potential, and we believe it fits well in Arizona’s competitive dining landscape.”
The new Goodyear location will do more than serve crispy tenders, chicken, and waffles. It’s expected to create over 100 new jobs in the local community, further embedding the Barnett family’s commitment to Arizona’s economy and hospitality scene. Founded in 2003 in Fayetteville, Arkansas, Slim Chickens has become one of the nation’s fastest-growing fast-casual restaurant concepts, with more than 300 locations worldwide and ambitious plans to top 600 within the next decade. Known for its fresh, made-to-order chicken tenders, signature sauces, wraps, salads, and rotating Mason jar desserts, the brand has carved out a niche in the better chicken segment and built a devoted following.
“Our freshly made Southern dishes and homemade recipes create loyal guests who feel good about the food they’re eating,” Slim Chickens COO Sam Rothschild said in a news release. “We’re proud to grow our fan base into the Goodyear market.”
The West Valley debut marks a continuation of steady momentum for the brand in Arizona. Slim Chickens first made headlines in What Now Phoenix in 2021, when Barnett Management revealed plans for a West Valley location and exclusive development rights throughout the state. What Now Phoenix previously reported that the team announced a location coming to Gilbert’s Morrison Ranch Commercial Center, joining fellow national brands like Jersey Mike’s, Freddy’s, and Fry’s Food Store. For the Barnett family, the move into Slim Chickens builds on over four decades of restaurant experience and a legacy of promoting from within.
With 1,200 signed development agreements in the pipeline and growth targets across the U.S. and internationally from the UK and Germany to Turkey and the Middle East, Slim Chickens’ Goodyear opening is a local milestone in a much larger story.
