US restaurant chain Slim Chickens is planning to open between 15 and 20 more sites across the UK, with the majority set to be in the drive-through format.
Known for its fried chicken and signature sauces, Slim Chickens is expanding under the UK and European master franchise operated by Boparan Restaurant Group.
The chain currently operates more than 80 restaurants across the UK.
The expansion could create between 800 and 1,000 jobs over the next year as part of the rollout, with each site employing up to 50 staff members.
The first UK drive-through will open at Broughton Shopping Park in north Wales on October 6.
This restaurant will serve as the model for future locations.
Rich Pigott, managing director for Boparan Restaurants, told the Press Association: "We’ve got ambitious plans for the drive-through format, and Broughton gives us the opportunity to take everything people love about Slim Chickens... and bring it to guests in a completely new way."
He said this is "only the beginning for Slim Chickens drive-throughs in the UK."
The drive-throughs will target retail parks, expanding Slim Chickens’ presence beyond high streets and shopping centres.
Founded in Fayetteville, Arkansas in the US, Slim Chickens’ American chain is largely focused on drive-throughs, and the format is becoming increasingly popular in the UK.
Mr Pigott said: "It’s convenient for people to go to a drive-through and take food home."
However, he acknowledged the challenges facing the hospitality sector as consumers face rising energy and fuel costs.
Mr Pigott said: "People will reduce their spending habits to reduce their bills.
"But they will still want to go out.
"People might cut back from going to a restaurant two or three times a week to once a week, so you’ve got to be the best in the market to make sure people come to you."
Boparan Restaurant Group also operates other well-known brands, including Carluccio’s, Giraffe, and Gourmet Burger Kitchen.
The group is exploring further expansion across Europe through company-owned sites and franchise partnerships.
Tom Patrick, marketing director at Boparan Restaurants, said the drive-through launch in the UK is a "huge moment for the brand".
He added: "We’re excited to be using our new app and new AI technology to make the guest journey in our drive-through as seamless as in-store."
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What can you buy at Slim Chickens?
Slim Chickens has a varied menu with burgers, loaded fries, wraps, salads, chicken tenders, chicken wings and more.
The restaurant chain also sells hand-spun milkshakes in lots of flavours - banana and Biscoff, vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, popcorn, caramel, mocha, Oreo, Biscoff and Cadbury Flake.
The new UK drive-through locations have not been announced yet.
Have you eaten at Slim Chickens before? Let us know in the comments below.
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