Slim Chickens Expanding into Montana with Fresh Multi-Unit Franchise Agreement

HELENA, Mont. — Slim Chickens, a leading fast casual franchise which features dine-in and drive-through in the “better chicken” segment, announced today that it is expanding into Montana. Mike Sartwell, who is an existing multi-unit franchisee with Slim Chickens, is bringing four new restaurants to Montana. The first location, which is a conversion, will be located at 1450 Prospect Ave. in Helena.

An experienced multi-brand restaurant operator, Sartwell has an extensive portfolio of restaurants across North Dakota, Montana, Missouri and Illinois. His portfolio consists of quick-service and fast-casual brands.

“Our group has developed Slim Chickens restaurants in North Dakota, and with the breathtaking success of our first opening last year, we knew we wanted to quickly expand our agreement with the brand,” said Sartwell. “Once we found the real estate, we moved swiftly. The first restaurant we developed was a conversion and was the most successful opening in the brand’s history, so we felt leveraging an existing site for our first Slim Chickens restaurant in Montana made sense, especially right now.”

The franchise agreement signed in Montana is one of six multi-unit agreements the brand has inked during the coronavirus pandemic. Since February, Slim Chickens has added 38 restaurants to its development pipeline.

“Mike is the ideal franchise partner for Slim Chickens. As an experienced operator, he understands that now is the time to expand with a brand like ours,” said Jackie Lobdell, executive director of franchise development at Slim Chickens. “After growing year-over-year sales since the pandemic and signing nearly 40 new units, we have an unmatched runway for growth. With real estate available in markets coast to coast, the time is now to diversify with a brand equipped for the future of our industry.”

The better-chicken brand has opened 100 locations across the United States, the United Kingdom and Kuwait, and is known for its passionate group of followers. With more than 400 units in development, the fast-growing brand is well on its way to reaching its goal of 600 restaurants.

The brand prides itself on its cooked-to-order fresh food and strong devoted fanbase, also known as “Slimthusiasts.” Slim Chickens has distinguished itself in the “better chicken” segment by offering high-quality food and 17 house-made dipping sauces, allowing customers to enjoy a different flavor profile with each visit. Its menu, which is broader than many in the segment, includes chicken tenders, fresh salads, sandwiches, chicken and waffles, chicken wings and unique side items. Fans also resonate with the southern contemporary look and feel and the open and inviting layout of Slim Chickens restaurants, which speak to the hospitality mindset that anchors the brand.

Last year, Slim Chickens attracted an equity investment from 10 Point Capital, the private equity firm behind segment leader Tropical Smoothie Café.

The Slim Chickens franchise opportunity differentiates itself with prime markets available for multi-unit development, a passionate leadership team and world-class franchisee support system. As Slim Chickens expands, it is awarding franchise opportunities to qualified, experienced and passionate multi-unit groups looking to add a dynamic segment to their portfolio.

About Slim Chickens

Slim Chickens, a leading fast casual franchise which features dine-in and drive-through in the “better chicken” segment, opened in 2003 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Offering high-quality food with a focus on fresh, delicious ingredients, the brand prides itself on its southern flair and commitment to hospitality, all in a fast casual setting. Food is cooked to order, and the differentiated menu features chicken tenders, fresh salads, sandwiches, chicken and waffles, chicken wings and unique side items, alongside 17 house-made dipping sauces.

Today, Slim Chickens has opened 100 restaurants and has over 350 restaurants in development. The brand, which recently launched a strategic multi-unit franchise growth initiative to reach 600 units in 10 years, is targeting qualified and experienced multi-unit groups to develop in dynamic markets across the country.

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