Slim Chickens, a fast-casual restaurant chain founded in 2003 in Fayetteville, Arkansas, has just signed on to bring 32 locations throughout Arizona.
The restaurants, which will be operated by franchisee Barnett Management Company, are hopeful to bring the first location to the West Valley by the end of 2022, although only a potential site has been scouted by the Loop 101 and Northern Avenue.
The company, owned by Tom Barnett, sstarted out in 1979 with a Burger King location. From there, they have gone on to own more than 50.
The new Slim Chickens restaurants will be led by Barnett and Shane Jacobs, who currently serves on the operations council for the company.
Slim Chickens, itself started by Greg Smart, Tom Gordon and Ryan Hodson, has grown to over 100 locations since its inception. According to the website, their mission was (and still is) “to make the best hand-breaded chicken tenders using only the freshest ingredients, served in a friendly atmosphere where people can relax and feel at home.”
The menu focuses on tenders and wings, but also offers sandwiches, wraps and salads. They also offer a selection of house-made sauces, including the Slim Sauce that acts as the company’s staple.
What Now Phoenix reached out to both Jacobs and Barnett Management Company’s President, Shelley Krispin, for more information on Wednesday, but neither were available by phone.
