Shak Turner Leads Slim Chickens’ Domestic Franchise Growth
New VP of domestic franchise growth to spearhead expansion at Slim Chickens.
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Slim Chickens has appointed Shak Turner as vice president of domestic franchise growth, aiming to strengthen its franchisee pipeline and expand its footprint. The brand has opened 10 new locations this year, showcasing its strong momentum and operational consistency. Turner brings extensive experience from leading roles at Dunkin’, Baskin-Robbins, and other brands.
Why It Matters
This appointment may enhance Slim Chickens' ability to identify and develop new territories, impacting unit economics for franchisees and compressing available franchise options in desired markets.
Shakon “Shak” Turner has been appointed vice president of domestic franchise growth at Slim Chickens, a prominent player in the fast-casual restaurant sector. Turner brings substantial expertise from previous leadership roles with Dunkin’, Baskin-Robbins, Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop, and Galardi Group Inc., where she honed her skills in franchise development, market identification, and partnership building. In her new role, she will focus on expanding Slim Chickens’ franchisee pipeline and increasing brand presence across both traditional and non-traditional restaurant formats.
Turner expressed her enthusiasm for Slim Chickens, highlighting its "balance between a differentiated guest experience and a model that’s clearly built to scale," and pointed out the brand's potential for growth through flexible formats including drive-thru and non-traditional sites. She emphasized that Slim Chickens’ existing momentum is a result of a clear brand identity and operational consistency, which she believes are vital for future expansion.
The chain has already seen a successful start to 2023, opening ten new locations. Turner noted that the restaurant’s focus on menu diversity and Southern hospitality resonates well with contemporary consumer preferences. Slim Chickens boasts nearly 300 locations across 32 U.S. states, along with its international presence in countries such as the U.K., Germany, and Turkey.
Matt Green, chief development officer at Slim Chickens, praised Turner for her "discipline and strategic thinking" that will be crucial in sustaining strong markets and ensuring operational performance. With Turner’s appointment, Slim Chickens signals a strategic emphasis on franchise development and market expansion, potentially broadening their footprint in an increasingly competitive fast-casual dining landscape.
Looking ahead, success will depend on how effectively Turner and the leadership team leverage her experience to identify promising markets and solidify franchise partnerships.
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