Slim Chickens signs second franchise deal

Slim Chickens, the Boparan Restaurant Group-owned fast causal concept, has entered into its second franchise agreement.

The new deal between Boparan and franchisee KK Restaurants SW will see the brand open five restaurants across the south west of England, with the first due to open in Exeter next month.

The Exeter restaurant will be Slim Chickens’ tenth UK site, and second franchise-operated location following its Manchester Trafford Centre opening last month with partner JRK Restaurants.

Its latest franchise partner has experience rolling out restaurant brands in the south west region, having previously signed deals with Pizza Hut Delivery and Costa Coffee.

Boparan signed its deal with JRK in February, which has plans to open five outlets across the south coast over the next four years.

“We are pleased to have secured a franchise partner as experienced as KK Restaurants SW. This supports our ambitious growth plans to roll-out the Slim Chickens brand across the UK,” said Judd Williams, BRG’s franchise director.

In the past few months, the group has looked to acquire high-profile opportunities in the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic.

Having acquired Carluccio’s out of administration in May, paying £3.4m for the brand and 30 trading sites, Boparan announced last month it had also acquired the Gourmet Burger Kitchen brand and 35 trading sites in a pre-pack administration.

Carluccio’s and GBK joins Slim chickens, Giraffe and Ed’s Easy Diner in the BRG portfolio.