Slim Chickens Continues Fly-Thru Expansion with Kentucky Opening

Better-Chicken Brand Expands Drive-Thru-Only Footprint Amid Growing Demand for Flexible Formats

June 02, 2026 // FranchisePR.com // FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Slim Chickens, a leading fast casual franchise in the better-chicken segment featuring dine-in and drive-thru service, opened a new drive-thru-only location in Ashland, Kentucky, in partnership with Slims Chicken Coop LLC. Located at 8454 US-60, the restaurant marks the brand’s third Fly-Thru format following openings in Gray, Georgia and Fayetteville, Arkansas. This marks the 11th Slim Chickens location in Kentucky, complementing the brand’s broader presence in the market with an additional convenience-focused dining option for guests.

The Fly-Thru model reflects Slim Chickens’ broader development strategy centered on flexibility, convenience and off-premise demand as digital ordering and drive-thru traffic continue to reshape consumer behavior. Designed for efficiency and adaptability, the format allows franchisees to enter a wider range of trade areas while maintaining the full Slim Chickens guest experience.

“What stood out to us about Slim Chickens was the combination of a strong operational model and a guest experience that stands out in the category,” said a representative from Slim Chickens Coop LLC. “The Fly-Thru model gives us the ability to operate efficiently while still delivering the quality, hospitality, and menu variety the brand is known for. For us, it created an opportunity to enter the market with a format that aligns with how consumers are dining today while maintaining the brand experience guests expect.”

Slim Chickens has continued to differentiate itself in the chicken category by redefining what modern chicken can be, combining premium, cooked-to-order food with genuine Southern hospitality and a guest experience designed around choice and customization. Its “Whatcha Pickin’?” positioning spans hand-breaded tenders, wings, sandwiches, wraps, salads, Chicken & Waffles, and signature Jar Desserts, supported by 14 signature house sauces, helping the brand appeal across multiple dayparts and guest occasions.

That positioning is already translating into continued development across key markets. The brand has opened 10+ locations so far in 2026, further reinforcing its growth trajectory. In recent months, both new and existing franchise groups have committed to additional territories, including 13 restaurants across New York and Connecticut, 17 in New Jersey, 18 in Central Florida, and entry into several California markets for the first time.

“Drive-thru-only formats give us another way to grow strategically in markets where convenience and operational efficiency are increasingly important,” said Shakon Turner, Vice President of Domestic Franchise Growth at Slim Chickens. “As we continue expanding, we’re focused on flexible development opportunities that allow experienced operators to scale the brand across a variety of trade areas and market types.”

Founded in Fayetteville, Arkansas in 2003, Slim Chickens has grown from a single neighborhood restaurant into a global brand with nearly 300 locations open. The brand is currently operating in 32 U.S. states and internationally in the U.K., Ireland, Germany, Turkey, and the Philippines, while remaining focused on awarding opportunities to qualified, experienced multi-unit operators in the Midwest, Northeast, Upper Southeast, and West Coast Regions.

For more information on the Slim Chickens franchise opportunity, visit slimchickensfranchise.com. Connect with Slim Chickens on LinkedIn by visiting https://www.linkedin.com/company/slim-chickens.

For more information on Slim Chickens, visit slimchickens.com.

About Slim Chickens
Slim Chickens, a leading fast casual franchise that 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 14 house dipping sauces.

SOURCE Slim Chickens

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