Expansion of Slim Chickens into Ireland is part of a wave of international eateries targeting the Irish market, such as Popeyes, Taco Bell and Wendy’s
Slim Chickens, a fast-casual southern-fried chicken restaurant founded in Arkansas, is looking to open the outlet at the Pembroke District just outside Dundrum Town Centre. The brand is known for its breaded chicken tenders, chicken wings, and a variety of dipping sauces.
A local franchisee, SC Restaurants & Hospitality (Ireland) Ltd, filed a planning application to install its signs with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council last week.
The Irish franchise lists 27-year-old Noah Wright as a director.
Wright, from Devon in England, has been involved in opening multiple Slim Chickens outlets in the UK.
Wright is registered as a director of KK Restaurants in the UK, an established franchise operator that has previously run hospitality brand outlets, including Pizza Hut Delivery and Costa Coffee.
In 2020, KK Restaurants signed a franchise agreement with UK food giant Boparan Group, which counts brands such as Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Ed’s Easy Diner, and Giraffe. The deal between the parties was aimed at accelerating the growth of Slims across the country.
A Slim Chickens outlet in London. Photo: Getty
Slim Chickens is already open in Northern Ireland.
In 2024, White opened the brand’s first drive-thru outside the US at Sprucefield Park, Lisburn. A report in The Irish News stated that he also acquired two Slim Chickens outlets, one on Belfast’s Boucher Road and the other in Victoria Square shopping centre.
The expansion of Slim Chickens into the Republic is part of a wave of international eateries targeting the Irish market.
New fast-food chains are piling in, with US-burger brand Wendy’s partnering with Corrib Oil for a nationwide launch and Louisiana-fried chicken group Popeyes planning to open a restaurant in Dublin city centre.
Corrib Oil is opening the country’s first Wendy’s fast-food restaurant in Mahon Point Shopping Centre in Cork in October, creating 50 jobs.
The country’s first Taco Bell restaurant also opened earlier this month, as part of a €15m investment by Applegreen in a new motorway service station off Junction 6 on the M3 in Dunshaughlin, Co Meath. The chain primarily sells Mexican-style fast food, including tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and nachos.
International fine-dining groups are also targeting Ireland, with the likes of UK-based steakhouse Hawksmoor, French group Big Mamma and The Ivy either opening or announcing expansion plans in the market. Dublin has been especially attractive to these operators.
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