Slim Chickens Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Slim Chickens was founded in 2003 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The brand focuses on serving fresh, hand-breaded chicken tenders. Founders Greg Smart and Tom Gordon wanted to create a welcoming atmosphere with delicious, made-to-order meals. Quality and hospitality have been key to their success.
In 2013, Slim Chickens began franchising and expanded quickly across the U.S. and internationally. Their menu features chicken tenders, wings, sandwiches, and house-made dipping sauces. Their signature southern-style marinade and hand-breading technique ensure great taste.
What sets Slim Chickens apart is its commitment to fresh, made-to-order food and customer service. They’ve built a loyal fanbase, known as “Slimthusiasts,” who love the brand’s consistent quality and friendly dining experience.
The most profitable franchises to own in 2025
We have compiled the list of the top 400 franchises across 9 industries. Download the report below.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Slim Chickens franchise? It costs on average between $1,599,000 – $4,389,000 to start a Slim Chickens franchised restaurant.
This includes costs for construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating expenses. The exact amount depends on various factors, including the type of restaurant you choose, the location, and whether the franchisee chooses to lease or purchase the property.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $15,000 to $30,000 |
| Real Property / Site Lease / Site Review Fees | $45,000 to $1,200,000 |
| Construction / Building Conversion | $700,000 to $1,700,000 |
| Site Work | $50,000 to $500,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment | $325,000 to $400,000 |
| Smallwares | $18,000 to $21,000 |
| Building Signage and Interior Graphics | $45,000 to $75,000 |
| Soft Costs | $90,000 to $120,000 |
| Insurance | $9,000 to $15,000 |
| Opening Inventory | $6,000 to $10,000 |
| Training Costs/Opening Assistance Reimbursement | $23,000 to $39,000 |
| POS System/Drive-Thru Components/Menu Boards | $80,000 to $140,000 |
| Low voltage/Security/Network Installation | $40,000 to $50,000 |
| Security and Utility Deposits | $2,500 to $12,000 |
| Business Licenses (excluding beer and wine license) | $400 to $2,000 |
| Grand Opening Ad Expenditure | $10,000 |
| Additional Funds – 3 months | $40,000 to $65,000 |
| TOTAL FOR a Single Franchise | $1,598,900 to $4,389,000 |
Average Revenue (AUV)
How much revenue can you make with a Slim Chickens franchise? A Slim Chickens franchised restaurant makes on average $2,261,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.
Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:
This compares to $1,663,000 yearly revenue for similar chicken franchises. Below are 10 Slim Chickens competitors as a comparison:
The most profitable franchises to own in 2025
We have compiled the list of the top 400 franchises across 9 industries. Download the report below.
Slim Chickens Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Slim Chickens locations are there?
Slim Chickens currently operates over 240 locations globally. Of these, 180 are in the United States. Out of the U.S. locations, 169 are franchise-owned, while 11 are company-owned.
This reflects the brand’s rapid expansion, primarily through franchising. Slim Chickens has also expanded internationally, with locations in the United Kingdom and Kuwait, as part of its global growth strategy.
What is the total investment required to open a Slim Chickens franchise?
The total investment required to open a Slim Chickens franchise ranges from $1,599,000 to $4,389,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Slim Chickens franchise?
Slim Chickens franchisees are required to pay a royalty fee of 6% of gross sales, which covers the support and continued development provided by the franchisor. Additionally, franchisees are required to contribute 2% of gross sales for marketing and advertising fees.
These fees help fund regional and national marketing efforts, ensuring brand visibility and promoting the franchise. Depending on specific agreements, there may also be other fees related to technology, local advertising, or training programs.
What are the financial requirements to become a Slim Chickens franchisee?
To become a Slim Chickens franchisee, the financial requirements include a minimum net worth of $1.5 million and liquid assets of at least $500,000.
These financial criteria ensure that potential franchisees have the necessary capital to not only secure the franchise but also cover the initial setup and operating costs, which can range from $1.3 million to $3.4 million, depending on the location and build-out specifics.
Meeting these financial thresholds is crucial for franchise approval, ensuring that franchisees have the resources to manage and sustain their business successfully.
How much can a Slim Chickens franchise owner expect to earn?
The average gross sales for a Slim Chickens franchise are approximately $2.26 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $2.26 million yearly revenue can result in $339,000 EBITDA annually.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This content has been made for informational and educational purposes only. We do not make any representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the information presented in the article. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other professional advice. Nothing contained in this article constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, advertisement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction.
All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial and/or legal advice, nor does any information in the article constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.
