Fried chicken chain with devoted fanbase coming to Lexington: Details on when, where
.jpg "The menu at Slim Chickens includes sandwiches and wraps as well as chicken tenders and wings.")
Look out fried chicken fans, there’s a new bird coming to town.
Slim Chickens, an Arkansas-based chain known for its juicy chicken tenders and wings, is opening in Lexington.
The first location in town will be at 525 Waller Ave. across from St. Joseph Hospital, near several hotels, and just off Broadway.
It’s slated to open in March or April of 2023, according to a spokeswoman for the company.
Slim Chickens is a fast-casual “better chicken” leader with dine-in and drive-thru service.
Slim Chickens menu
Food is cooked to order, and the menu includes chicken tenders, fresh salads, sandwiches, chicken and waffles, chicken wings and unique side items, alongside 17 house-made dipping sauces, including gravy.
Besides chicken, the menu includes a rotating lineup of desserts in jars, fried pies and cookies.
The restaurants have a Southern contemporary look and feel, open and airy with individual tables and booths as well as a communal table.
The brand has a devoted fanbase, also known as “Slimthusiasts,” according to the company.
Slim Chickens locations
There are more than 180 Slim Chickens locations open, including five in Kentucky, and 1,000 restaurants in development. There is one in Ashland, Pikeville and Somerset and two in Bowling Green.
The company announced plans earlier this year to add 29 locations throughout Kentucky in partnership with franchisee Harold Wallace and Houchens Food Group.
Houchens Food Group operates more than 300 retail grocery, convenience, and neighborhood market stores across 14 states. Currently the group is set to open four more in Kentucky in 2023.
Harold Wallace has spearheaded Slim Chickens’ push into the Nashville market, according to the chain. Wallace and Houchens are partnering to develop more locations across Kentucky.
“There is no denying that Harold and his team have had many achievements since joining our system. Not only are they passionate about the brand, but they are also dedicated to giving communities a stellar dining experience — these are the qualities we are looking for as we continue to grow across the country,” said Jackie Lobdell, vice president of franchise development at Slim Chickens, in a news release in October. “People love our chicken — that is a fact that has been proven time and time again. When seasoned operators join our system, they are equipped with extensive support, an accessible executive team and a great brand that people flock to.”
