This national fried chicken brand just opened its first Triangle location. Here’s where

A new fried chicken brand landed in the Triangle this week, picking Johnston County for its first location.

Slim Chickens launched in Smithfield Monday with a new franchise location at 1311 N. Brightleaf Blvd. The brand specializes in chicken sandwiches, wings and boneless tenders.

Slim Chickens locations in North Carolina

Owned by restaurateurs Luke Simmons and David Harris, this is the partner’s second Slim Chickens franchise to open, following a location in Jacksonville that opened last year. Slim Chickens now has six restaurants in North Carolina, including locations in Charlotte, Concord, Monroe and Pembroke.

The Jacksonville location was honored within the brand as the top franchise for customer satisfaction nationwide for its first six months of operations.

“Our position as the top ranked Slim Chickens location across the country for excellence in service and quality is a testament to our ongoing commitment to providing North Carolina residents exceptional experiences and deliciously fresh meals that make your life easier,” Simmons said in a news release.

“We’ve been well received by the North Carolina community as a whole, and look forward to bringing the same quality and service to the Smithfield community.”

Slim Chickens vs. Chick-fil-A?

For years now the fried chicken wars have been raging and the new Slim Chickens location opens nearly across the street from Smithfield’s Chick-fil-A.

There are now more than 250 Slim Chickens nationwide and abroad, but the Smithfield location has a location connection.

“I have raised my family, worked and lived in Johnston County for over 30 years and am grateful to introduce this exceptional experience to the customers and community I’ve served for so many decades,” Harris said in a press release.

“We are extremely hands-on, and we will probably have a part in making your meal when you come in.”

Slim Chickens menu: Sandwiches, sides, specials

Slim Chickens goes for a buttermilk brine on its chicken tenders and sets itself apart with mac and cheese bowls, sides like fried mushrooms and is currently running a special sandwich topped with fried pickle chips.

Simmons and Harris have a franchise deal to bring more Slim Chickens locations to the Triangle and Eastern North Carolina. The next location has yet to be announced.

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