An Arkansas-based quick-service restaurant will be hitting the Garden State in a big way, as Slim Chickens has announced a franchise deal to launch 17 new outposts in New Jersey.
The agreement expands the brand’s footprint across New Jersey as part of its broader Northeast growth strategy. The state currently has no Slim Chickens restaurants, but there was a location on Route 31 in Flemington in 2021 that closed after only a few months.
The company is hoping for better results this time around, as the agreement includes planned development across Middlesex, Mercer, and Essex counties. While no specific locations were announced as part of the deal, the first New Jersey restaurant is expected to open in 2027.
The agreement was struck with a New Jersey–based operator having local market knowledge and a long-term growth mindset. After seeing Slim Chickens’ performance across established U.S. markets, the group identified the brand as a strong fit for New Jersey’s evolving consumer preferences and diverse real estate opportunities.
“Slim Chickens stood out to us as a concept with tremendous momentum and a clear vision for the future,” said a representative from the 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.”
The New Jersey agreement strengthens Slim Chickens’ broader expansion across the Northeast, where the brand is actively targeting markets including Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Ohio.
“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, Vice President of Franchise Development for Slim Chickens. “New Jersey is a high-opportunity market, and this deal underscores the confidence operators have in our model, our flexibility, and our growth trajectory.”
For those uninitiated, Slim Chickens offers a variety of chicken tenders and wings along with sandwiches at more than 250 locations worldwide. Sides like mac and cheese, fried mushrooms, potato salad, and Texas toast round out the menu, along with treats like hand-spun milkshakes and dessert “jars” of Nilla banana pudding or chocolate brownie varieties.
Slim Chickens noted in their announcement that they have over 1,000 units in development, with nearly 75% of their multi-unit franchisees actively developing.
