Slim Chickens Adjusts Expansion Plans in Jacksonville

News Summary

Slim Chickens, a popular fast-casual restaurant chain, is shifting its expansion strategy in Jacksonville. Instead of stand-alone locations, the franchise will lease inline spaces in shopping centers. This decision follows the recent sale of an original site planned for a new restaurant in Glen Kernan Park. Kalo Holdings, the franchisee, aims for quicker and cost-efficient growth, focusing on drive-thru options in bustling shopping areas. As the Jacksonville dining scene changes, residents can anticipate a transformed culinary landscape with the beloved chicken brand at its forefront.

News Summary

Jacksonville’s Dining Scene Sees Changes with Slim Chickens

Big news is brewing in Jacksonville for fast-casual food lovers! The beloved Slim Chickens franchise, known for its mouthwatering chicken dishes and variety of sauces, has decided to shake things up in their expansion plans. Instead of setting up stand-alone restaurants, Kalo Holdings LLC, the franchisee behind this delicious brand, is shifting gears to focus on leasing inline spaces in shopping centers throughout the Jacksonville area. This unexpected twist has everyone buzzing!

A New Direction for the Franchise

The initial plan was to open the very first stand-alone Slim Chickens restaurant in the region, which had everyone in the community excited. However, Kalo Holdings recently surprised folks by selling off the original site designated for the restaurant, located in Glen Kernan Park at the busy intersection of Butler and Hodges boulevards. The buyer? Mardon Realty, a local investor and developer, who plans to market the land for other potential tenants in the ever-expanding area.

What’s Happening at Glen Kernan Park?

Glen Kernan Park is a project in the works that spans a whopping 48.5 acres. The plan is to incorporate a mix of residential and retail offerings, aiming to create a vibrant community hub. Kalo Holdings had previously shelled out $1.4 million back in February 2023 to secure a 1.1-acre lot at 4955 Sweetgrass Place, intending to build a charming Slim Chickens restaurant that would take up nearly 3,000 square feet.

Initially, the company had begun filing the necessary paperwork for site work and construction, which included fabulous plans for a patio and convenient drive-thru. However, all that groundwork would take a backseat after Mardon Realty acquired the property for $1.5 million just before the New Year.

Strategizing for Success

So, why the change in plans, you might ask? Well, Mardon Realty’s President, Christopher West, highlighted that Slim Chickens is now looking toward inline stores, particularly those with drive-thru endcaps. This strategy allows for a faster expansion while keeping costs down—something that is becoming increasingly important in the competitive world of fast food. Kalo Holdings is specifically focused on finding endcap units in Jacksonville shopping centers where drive-thru options are available.

Exciting Developments Await

In Glen Kernan Park, the property Kalo held marks the last available outparcel in the development. Residents can look forward to future buildings, including familiar names like Olive Garden and Embassy Suites, expected to break ground in early 2025. Other established retailers, like Culvers and Dunkin’, are already delighting customers in the area, making it a real destination for dining and services.

A Taste of What’s to Come

Now, for those who may not be familiar, Slim Chickens is a fast-casual restaurant chain originating from Fayetteville, Arkansas. The chain focuses on made-to-order chicken dishes that fans just can’t get enough of. With around 200 locations across 34 states, they are on an ambitious mission for growth, including aspirations to reach international markets. Currently, the closest Slim Chickens for Jacksonville residents is located in Tallahassee, Florida.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for Slim Chickens

With their fresh business approach and commitment to convenient dining options, Slim Chickens is certainly setting the stage for something delicious in Jacksonville’s culinary scene. As plans for new locations unfold, residents can’t help but feel excitement buzzing in the air. Whether through a drive-thru or in a cozy shopping center, it looks like the love for fried chicken and tasty sauces is about to grow stronger in the Sunshine State!