Slim Chickens Appoints Maureen DiStefano as Director of Franchise Development

Experienced Franchise Development Executive Joins Better-Chicken Brand to Support Strategic Expansion Across the U.S.

July 07, 2026 // Franchising.com // FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Slim Chickens has appointed Maureen DiStefano as Director of Franchise Development, continuing to build a franchise development team designed to lead the brand's next chapter of expansion.

DiStefano brings more than 20 years of franchise development, operations, and business development experience with nationally recognized brands including Potbelly Sandwich Works, Dunkin' Brands, Starbucks, GNC, Magnolia Bakery International, Inspire Brands and Checkers and Rally’s. Throughout her career, she has led market expansion initiatives, awarded hundreds of franchise agreements and built lasting relationships with franchisees and industry partners. Her experience developing restaurant concepts across a variety of formats will help accelerate Slim Chickens' continued growth as the brand expands through traditional, Fly-Thru and non-traditional locations. She is also a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) and a frequent speaker at franchise and restaurant industry conferences.

"The best part of franchise development has always been the people," said DiStefano. "You're helping entrepreneurs take the next step in their journey, and that's something I don't take lightly. What drew me to Slim Chickens was the culture. It's a brand that genuinely cares about its people, its franchisees and its guests. I'm looking forward to building relationships with operators who believe in where the brand is headed and helping them grow alongside us.

Slim Chickens has become a leader in the chicken category by combining premium, cooked-to-order food with genuine Southern hospitality, creating an experience centered on choice, customization and serving guests with excellence. Its “Whatcha Pickin’?” positioning spans hand-breaded tenders, wings, sandwiches, wraps, salads, Chicken & Waffles, and signature Jar Desserts, supported by 14 signature house sauces, helping the brand appeal across multiple dayparts and guest occasions.

"At Slim Chickens, our growth strategy is about finding people who believe in our culture and want to build something meaningful with us," said Matt Green, Chief Development Officer of Slim Chickens. "Maureen has spent her career building those kinds of relationships. She understands what franchisees need, she leads with authenticity, and she's exactly the type of person we want representing the Slim Chickens brand as we continue growing."

Founded in Fayetteville, Arkansas in 2003, Slim Chickens has grown from a single neighborhood restaurant into a global brand with nearly 300 locations open. The brand is currently operating in 32 U.S. states and internationally in the U.K., Ireland, Germany, Turkey, and the Philippines, while remaining focused on awarding opportunities to qualified, experienced multi-unit operators in the Midwest, Northeast, Upper Southeast, and West Coast Regions.

For more information on the Slim Chickens franchise opportunity, visit slimchickensfranchise.com. Connect with Slim Chickens on LinkedIn by visiting https://www.linkedin.com/company/slim-chickens.

For more information on Slim Chickens, visit slimchickens.com.

About Slim Chickens

Slim Chickens, a leading fast casual franchise that features dine-in and drive-through in the better-chicken segment, opened in 2003 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Offering high-quality food with a focus on fresh, delicious ingredients, the brand prides itself on its Southern flair and commitment to hospitality, all in a fast-casual setting. Food is cooked to order, and the differentiated menu features chicken tenders, fresh salads, sandwiches, chicken and waffles, chicken wings, and unique side items, alongside 14 house dipping sauces.

SOURCE Slim Chickens

###

Media Contact:

Abbey Scurio  
(630) 345-0455
[email protected]