Slim Chickens Names Shakon Turner Vice President of Domestic Franchise Growth

Better-Chicken Brand Bolsters Development Team to Support its Next Phase of U.S. Expansion Across High-Opportunity Markets

May 06, 2026 // FranchisePR.com // FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Slim Chickens has appointed Shakon “Shak” Turner as Vice President of Domestic Franchise Growth, a move that underscores the brand’s continued momentum and disciplined approach to expansion across the United States.

In this role, Turner will oversee the brand’s full domestic franchise development lifecycle, focusing on strengthening the franchisee pipeline and supporting market-specific growth. She will also be expanding Slim Chickens’ footprint across both traditional and non-traditional formats, including drive-thru-only restaurants, in-line and endcap locations, and high-traffic venues such as airports, universities, and military bases.

Turner brings extensive experience spanning all stages of brand growth, including leading pipeline strategy and aligning real estate, marketing, and operations to support successful openings. Her background includes roles with globally recognized brands such as Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins, as well as established franchise systems including Checkers/Rally’s, Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop, and Galardi Group Inc. She has also supported early-stage franchise growth efforts, giving her a well-rounded perspective on building scalable systems.

“What really stood out to me about Slim Chickens is the balance between a differentiated guest experience and a model that’s clearly built to scale,” said Turner. “You have a brand rooted in premium, cooked-to-order chicken, menu variety, and Southern hospitality, but it’s also supported by a system that allows experienced operators to grow across formats and markets. As we look ahead, my focus is on identifying franchise partners who are aligned with that vision and building markets that support long-term performance.”

Slim Chickens has built its position in the 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. Through its “Whatcha Pickin’?” mindset, the brand offers a flexible menu spanning hand-breaded tenders, wings, sandwiches, wraps, salads, Chicken & Waffles, and signature Jar Desserts, supported by 14 signature house sauces. This combination of craveable food, menu variety, and operational simplicity has helped position Slim Chickens as a scalable platform for growth across multiple dayparts, formats, and markets.

That positioning is already translating into measurable expansion across key markets. The brand has opened 10 new 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.

“The chicken category is more competitive than it’s ever been, and that makes how you grow just as important as where you grow,” said Matt Green, Chief Development Officer of Slim Chickens. “Shak brings a level of discipline and strategic thinking that will help us continue building strong markets with experienced operators, while maintaining the consistency and performance that define the Slim Chickens brand.”

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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