Slim Chickens to open 25 Ohio restaurants

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A Southern fried chicken chain has announced plans to open more than two dozen locations in Ohio.

Slim Chickens is opening as many as 25 restaurants in Columbus, Cincinnati and Dayton within the next five to 10 years. The new Ohio locations are part of a deal with restaurant operator Big Star Chicken, which is also developing Slim Chickens eateries in Texas.

"After researching Ohio markets for several years, we believe Slim Chickens will be a great fit," said Dan McGrath, Big Star Chicken president. "The brand has been a home run for us with its superior product quality, southern hospitality, facilities and menu offerings."

Based in Arkansas, Slim Chickens is known for its hand-breaded chicken tenders, wings, chicken sandwiches and more. The brand is home to more than 250 restaurants across the nation and in the United Kingdom, with more than 1,200 locations in development.

Slim Chickens currently operates three Ohio eateries in Avon, Canton and Streetsboro. Big Star Chicken did not identify the exact locations of the new restaurants opening in Columbus, Cincinnati and Dayton.

The chain's menu also features macaroni and cheese bowls, chicken wraps, salads, chicken and waffles, fried pickles and 17 sauce options, like the tropical Mango Habanero dip and the fiery hot sauce named "Inferno." Milkshakes and "Jar Desserts" round out the menu, like the "Chocolate Brown Pudding Jar" packed in a mason jar with brownies, chocolate pudding and whipped cream.

Columbus has become a hot spot for fast-casual chicken chains. Bojangles is moving forward with plans to build another central Ohio restaurant, while CM Chicken opened its third Columbus-area location last March. Shaquille O’Neal's Big Chicken is planning to open more than 35 restaurants in Ohio.