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There are also rising stars, like Acumen Brands’ Country Outfitters making a name for themselves in recent years as well.
To this point, though, there hasn’t been an Arkansas-based restaurant that has really caught on nationally.
Fayetteville-based Slim Chickens, however, is vying to become that iconic Arkansas restaurant chain.
The company currently operates locations in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, and will soon open its 14th restaurant on Wedington Drive in Fayetteville.
With franchise commitments already signed for 21 additional restaurants across the midwest and Texas, the company is well on its way to becoming the first nationally-known fast food chain from The Natural State.
Starting up
Slim Chickens opened their first location in February 2003 inside a somewhat run-down building formerly home to a sushi restaurant on College Avenue in Fayetteville.
Before that, though, the restaurant concept was developed – as so many small businesses are – in someone’s garage.
“Basically, our so-called ‘focus groups’ were beer drinking parties,” said co-founder Greg Smart. “We started with a turkey fryer and a bunch of friends trying out recipes.”
“That’s really where we developed our dipping sauces and our breading and our cook times,” Smart said. “Once we got that down, we thought, ‘OK, we’re ready. Let’s find a place to start.” …
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