Listen to this article

Fast-casual chicken chain Slim Chickens is pecking its way into New Jersey.

As part of a newly signed development agreement, the franchise expects to open 17 locations across Essex, Mercer and Middlesex counties.

According to the Arkansas-based chain, the first outpost will open in 2027. Additional details about where that restaurant will be were not immediately available nor was the name of the operating group behind the push into New Jersey.

Billing itself as a leader in the “better-chicken segment,” Slim Chickens touts its focus on fresh ingredients and cooked-to-order food.

The 23-year-old chain offers never-frozen, hand-breaded chicken tenders and wings served with a choice of 14 house-made sauces. Its Southern-inspired menu includes salads, sandwiches, chicken & waffles, macaroni & cheese, loaded fries, fried pickles and fried okra.

As part of an ongoing expansion effort, the chain is pursuing growth through franchising both in the U.S. and internationally. In order to increase its footprint from 300 locations to 1,000 domestic units and 500 abroad, Slim Chickens reportedly plans to open dozens of new restaurants each year.

In addition to New Jersey, the company is targeting other Northeast markets such as Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Growing in a ‘high-opportunity market’

Commenting on the deal in New Jersey, Slim Chickens Vice President of Franchise Development Jackie Lobdell said it “reflects the momentum” that the chain “continues to build with experienced operators who see the long-term potential of a chicken-first brand built to scale.”

“New Jersey is a high-opportunity market, and this deal underscores the confidence operators have in our model, our flexibility, and our growth trajectory,” Lobdell said.

According to Slim Chickens, franchisees have the ability to adapt to different real estate and trade areas thanks to a range of proven formats, such a freestanding drive-thrus, endcaps, conversions, in-line restaurants and non-traditional locations.

My Central Jersey noted that Slim Chickens previously had a location in Flemington that closed in 2021 just months after opening. At the time, a plan to open more than a dozen restaurants locally was also halted, the newspaper said.