One of Arkansas’ most recognizable homegrown brands is coming home, and Batesville residents have the opportunity to be part of a day that will become a lasting chapter in the city’s history.
Slim Chickens, the Arkansas-founded restaurant company that has grown from a single location in Fayetteville into an internationally recognized brand, officially opens its Batesville restaurant on Monday, July 27, at 10 a.m., marking another milestone in the company’s remarkable journey while bringing one of Arkansas’ greatest business success stories to the oldest city in Arkansas.
Residents from across Independence County and North Central Arkansas are encouraged to arrive early and be among the first customers through the doors, creating memories they can proudly say they were part of for years to come.
This isn’t simply another restaurant opening.
It’s the arrival of an Arkansas success story that began with a dream, a garage and a simple idea—to serve fresh, hand-breaded chicken unlike anything else available.
From a Fayetteville Garage to an International Brand
Slim Chickens’ story began in 2003 when founders Tom Gordon and Greg Smart started perfecting recipes in a garage before opening their first restaurant on College Avenue in Fayetteville.
Their commitment to fresh ingredients, quality preparation and exceptional customer service quickly earned loyal customers throughout Northwest Arkansas.
Over the past two decades, that single Arkansas restaurant has grown into one of the nation’s fastest-growing restaurant brands, expanding to hundreds of locations throughout the United States while also reaching international markets.
Despite its worldwide success, Slim Chickens has never forgotten its Arkansas roots.
Monday’s opening in Batesville represents another chapter in that homegrown story, bringing the Arkansas-born brand to one of the state’s most historic and oldest city.
A New Destination for Batesville
The new Batesville location offers guests the fresh, made-to-order menu that has helped make Slim Chickens famous across the country.
Customers will discover a menu featuring:
Fresh hand-breaded chicken tenders
Crispy chicken sandwiches
Chicken wings
Signature wraps
Fresh salads
House-made jar desserts
Fried mushrooms
Fried pickles
Fried okra
Texas toast
Fresh-cut fries
Mac & Cheese
Coleslaw
Potato salad
More than 14 signature house-made dipping sauces
Dessert lovers can enjoy favorites including:
Strawberry Cheesecake Jar Dessert
Key Lime Pie Jar Dessert
Chocolate Brownie Pudding Jar Dessert
Wing lovers can also experience Slim Chickens’ dry-rub flavors, including:
Lemon Pepper
Cayenne Ranch
Whether it’s lunch, dinner or a quick stop with family and friends, the Batesville restaurant brings another exciting dining destination to the community.
More Than a Restaurant
For Arkansas residents, Slim Chickens represents far more than great food.
The company has become a source of state pride.
Few Arkansas businesses have experienced the type of national and international growth achieved by Slim Chickens while maintaining its Arkansas identity.
Every new restaurant reflects the company’s continued investment in communities throughout the state while creating jobs and supporting local economies.
The Batesville opening continues that tradition.
Located in one of Arkansas’ most historic cities, the restaurant is expected to become a gathering place for families, students, travelers and visitors exploring the region.
Be Part of History
Organizers encourage everyone to make plans to attend Monday’s historic opening.
Doors officially open at 10:00 a.m., giving guests the opportunity to experience one of Arkansas’ most successful restaurant brands on its very first day serving Batesville.
Whether you’ve followed Slim Chickens since its earliest days in Fayetteville or you’re visiting for the very first time, Monday is your opportunity to become part of a memorable day for both the company and the Batesville community.
Years from now, you’ll be able to say—
“I was there.”
ArkansasRadio.com Radio Stations LIVE
The excitement continues Monday afternoon as the ArkansasRadio.com Radio Stations bring listeners and visitors inside the celebration with a special LIVE Multi-Station Radio Rally from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m.
Broadcasting LIVE from the Batesville Slim Chickens location will be:
🎙️ Bob Connell – Owner, ArkansasRadio.com Radio Stations
🎙️ Ben Johnson – Morning Host, Cowboy Country 100.7 KEAZ, Afternoon host The Bull 105-7 KBGB
🎙️ Greg Geary – Morning Host, KWCK 99.9 Today’s Country, Midday host of The Bull 105-7 KBGB
🎙️ Hot Rod Todd Scott – Morning Host, Cool 104.7 & 99.1
The ArkansasRadio.com Radio Stations team will provide live interviews, community conversations, and complete coverage throughout the afternoon as Batesville celebrates this exciting addition to the community.
Listeners can tune in or stop by to meet the personalities heard every day across North Central Arkansas.
Participating stations include:
The Bull 105-7 KBGB
Timeless 106.1 KFFB
KWCK 99.9 Today’s Country
Cool 104.7 & 99.1
Cowboy Country 100.7 KEAZ
EVENT INFORMATION
What: Historic Opening Day of Slim Chickens in Batesville
Date: Monday, July 27
Doors Open: 10:00 a.m.
LIVE ArkansasRadio.com Radio Stations Broadcast: 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Featuring:
Bob Connell
Ben Johnson
Greg Geary
Hot Rod Todd Scott
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