FAYETTEVILLE, ARK. — Fast casual restaurant Slim Chickens announced plans to expand its business by adding eight franchises across Arkansas, Tennessee and Georgia. Multi-unit operating group DHR Group will lead the expansion.

DHR Group runs more than 40 Sonic Drive-Ins, and in 2020, it agreed to work with Slim Chickens to expand the Southern chicken brand into Tennessee.

“DHR Group is the perfect example of the type of experienced operating group that we love to work with at Slims,” said Jackie Lobdell, vice president of franchise development at Slim Chickens. “As we continue to grow, we are excited to work with talented operators that are dedicated to bringing our Southern comfort food and welcoming environment to communities across the globe.”

Slim Chickens currently has 160 locations across the United States and the United Kingdom, and 800 locations are under development.

“I’ve worked with a fair share of brands across my duration in the restaurant industry, and I can confidently say that Slim Chickens is the ideal chicken concept for an operator to grow their portfolio with,” said Scott Davis, co-owner of DHR Group. “Since opening our first location just a few years ago, we have had nothing but exceptional experiences with the brand, and we jumped at the chance to open eight more locations across Georgia, Arkansas and Tennessee.”

The quick-service chain offers 17 house-made sauces, chicken tenders, sandwiches, salads, waffles and wings, among other items. Slim Chickens said its brand is inspired by a Southern contemporary look with an open layout.