Better Chicken Concept Grows Throughout North Carolina With Smithfield Opening
SMITHFIELD — Slim Chickens, a leader in the “better chicken” segment of fast-casual restaurants, will continue expansion of its 100 percent fresh chicken and unrivaled flavor in North Carolina, with its newest opening at 1311 N Brightleaf Boulevard in Smithfield on Monday, September 16th. The new location follows the successful opening of Slim Chickens in Jacksonville as the top performing location nationwide for customer satisfaction and service for its first two consecutive quarters since opening in October of 2023.
The concept offers a diverse menu that includes hand-breaded chicken tenders, perfectly fried wings, delicious craft sandwiches, family meals and catering for parties of any size. This newest Slim Chickens location is being introduced by longtime North Carolina restaurant operators, Luke Simmons and David Harris, partners in Fly the Coop, LLC. Together, Simmons and Harris have a combined 55 years of experience in the restaurant industry, spanning partner operations, franchise management, training and growth for international brands, such as Chili’s, as well as Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q across the state.
The Smithfield location is the second Slim Chickens franchise opened by Fly The Coop, LLC, with continued plans to expand across the Triangle and eastern North Carolina throughout 2024 and beyond. A location on US 70 Business in Clayton is in the permitting phase. Construction will begin soon for a new location on Winstead Avenue in Rocky Mount.
“We are honored to be part of the eastern North Carolina community and are quickly approaching our first year of operations in Jacksonville. Our position as the top ranked Slim Chickens location across the country for excellence in service and quality is a testament to our ongoing commitment to providing North Carolina residents exceptional experiences and deliciously fresh meals that make your life easier. We’ve been well received by the North Carolina community as a whole, and look forward to bringing the same quality and service to the Smithfield community,” said Simmons.
Slim Chickens in Smithfield is founded on a blend of loyalty, community engagement, and hands-on management. Harris emphasized, “I have raised my family, worked and lived in Johnston County for over 30 years and am grateful to introduce this exceptional experience to the customers and community I’ve served for so many decades. We are extremely hands-on and we will probably have a part in making your meal when you come in.”
This commitment extends beyond the restaurant walls, as Simmons balances his role as a business owner with coaching his sons’ baseball teams and volunteering at his children’s schools throughout Johnston and Wake counties.
Aside from bringing its famous, delicious fried chicken and Southern-inspired sides to the area, the new Slim Chickens location in Smithfield will also make a positive economic impact with over 75 new jobs anticipated for creation in the community.
The Smithfield opening is one piece in Slim Chickens’ larger growth story. Since its founding in 2003, the brand has celebrated over 250 locations opened and a fanatical following in 34 U.S. states, as well as international locations in the United Kingdom, with an overall goal of opening 600 restaurants within the next decade. In North Carolina alone, the brand has already grown to six locations.
“Our freshly made southern dishes and homemade recipes create loyal guests who feel good about the food they’re eating and we’re proud to be able to grow our loyal fan base into the Smithfield market,” said Slim Chickens Chief Operating Officer Sam Rothschild.
By focusing on providing only 100 percent fresh chicken tenders that are buttermilk-marinated, hand-breaded and always cooked fresh-to-order, the brand has committed to providing a “better chicken” experience that can’t be found anywhere else. In addition, a choice of 14 housemade sauces adds exceptional flavor and has earned admiration from both guests and critics alike. Slim Chickens also offers fresh sandwiches, salads, wraps and its signature chicken and waffles. To offset the savory side of the menu, rotating desserts served in Mason jars are also available.
I’ve got the app downloaded already. I’ve heard the one in Jacksonville is really good.