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Roper Foods LLC is expanding its Slim Chickens portfolio into California, signing an amended six-unit development agreement that will introduce the brand to the state.
The agreement builds on Roper Foods' existing development deal in Nevada, where the group is actively growing the chicken concept. Planned development in California will span several counties with the first location expected to open in Sacramento County.
Roper Foods opened its first Slim Chickens restaurant in the Reno market in 2023 and its second location in July 2025. Additional development is under way across Northern Nevada, positioning the group to leverage operational experience as it enters the competitive California market.
"Slim Chickens stood out to us as a brand with strong momentum and a clear long-term vision," a representative for Roper Foods said in a press release. "The brand's focus on quality, Southern hospitality and operational support made this expansion a natural next step for our team, and we're confident Slim Chickens will resonate with guests as we introduce it to California."
The move reflects Roper Foods' confidence in the concept's performance and its ability to scale into high-density markets. Slim Chickens offers multiple development formats, including freestanding drive-thrus, endcaps, conversions, in-line restaurants, and nontraditional locations, allowing franchisees to adapt to varied real estate opportunities.
"Expanding into California is an important step for Slim Chickens, and it's one we're approaching with the right partners," said Jackie Lobdell, vice president of franchise development at Slim Chickens. "Roper Foods has demonstrated the operational discipline and market insight needed to grow the brand responsibly in a highly competitive environment."