COMING ATTRACTIONS
Popular chain Slim Chickens eyes first New Braunfels restaurant
When I dip, you dip, we dip.
Texas’ hottest zip code might soon be ground zero for America’s ever-escalating chicken tender wars. Fast-casual chain Slim Chickens is transforming a former Arby’s at 1395 I-H 35 N. Frontage Rd. into its first New Braunfels location.
Slim Chickens is known for its hand-breaded chicken tenders, which the chain uses in salads, wraps, and mac ‘n’ cheese bowls. Diners can also expect wings, chicken and waffles, chicken sandwiches, and sweets like shakes or trifle-like jar desserts.
The chain is just as famed for its lineup of 14 house-made sauces, ranging from mild options like honey mustard and Korean barbecue to more fiery Slim Reaper. There doesn’t seem to be a clear internet consensus about which is best, but fans are also passionate about layering. The brand is apparently paying attention, launching a new limited-edition flavor each month as part of its Ranch Remix campaign.
Although brands like Layne’s Chicken Fingers, Dave’s Hot Chicken, and of course, Chick-fil-A spar for the nation’s pecking order, Slim Chickens is seeing rapid growth. In 2019, the brand told industry site QSR Magazine that it planned to expand to 600 stores in 10 years. Although it is currently only about halfway to achieving that goal, it has hundreds of stores in development across the U.S. and internationally.
The New Braunfels location comes from Big Star Chicken LLC, the multi-unit operator behind the brand’s expansion in San Antonio and Austin. The franchise operator plans to open up to 20 locations across the two markets, but has not yet released details on all the planned units.
According to newly filed Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation project details, New Braunfels’ first Slim Chickens will finish out renovations in April 2027, although timelines are subject to change. CultureMap has reached out to a company rep for more exact details.
