Arkansas-based Slim Chickens plans 25 restaurants in Columbus, Cincinnati and Dayton
Another national chicken chain is coming to Columbus to roost.
Slim Chickens, which began 21 years ago in the college town of Fayetteville, Arkansas, reached an agreement with the operator of its restaurants in San Antonio and Austin, Texas, to open 25 Ohio locations in Columbus, Cincinnati and Dayton.
It's part of an ambitious expansion plan by the chain, which serves hand-breaded chicken tenders, wings, chicken sandwiches and more. Slim Chickens currently lists more than 200 locations and says more than 1,200 are in development.
Ohio restaurants have already opened in Avon, Canton, and Streetsboro. The chain or franchisee, Big Star Chicken, did not identify specific central Ohio locations and opening dates.
While part of the Slim Chickens menu looks much like Raising Cane's – tenders, fries, Texas toast and a house sauce with a hint of pepper – it includes far more options. Slim Chickens also sells macaroni and cheese bowls, chicken wraps, salads, fried pickles, fried okra and fried mushrooms.
There are 17 sauce options, too, ranging from a creamy Southern gravy to a tangy hot sauce called Inferno.
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Columbus has become home to several fried chicken chains in recent years. Korean chains CM Chicken and bbq.Chicken entered the local market in 2021 and 2023, respectively. LA-based Dave's Hot Chicken came to Columbus in 2022.
Southern favorite Bojangles opened last September near Hilliard. Big Chicken, a chain started by basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal, announced Columbus expansion plans last year but hasn't opened yet.
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Slim Chickens plans 25 restaurants in Columbus, Cincinnati and Dayton
