Slim Chickens Signs Three-Unit Agreement for First Southern California Restaurants

Experienced Restaurant Operators to Develop Locations in Palmdale, Lancaster and Santa Clarita as Brand Expands California Pipeline

September 18, 2026 // Franchising.com // CALIFORNIA — Slim Chickens, a leading fast-casual franchise in the better-chicken segment featuring dine-in and drive-thru service, announced today a three-unit development agreement to introduce the brand to Southern California, with restaurants planned for Palmdale, Lancaster and Santa Clarita. The agreement expands Slim Chickens’ California development pipeline following its six-unit Northern California agreement announced earlier this year, as the brand builds its presence across the state with experienced multi-unit operators. 

The agreement is led by husband-and-wife Yasir and Aleeza Nadeem, longtime Southern California residents and restaurant operators with deep ties to the Antelope Valley. Yasir brings more than 30 years of restaurant experience after beginning his career as a busboy at age 17 and working his way through nearly every level of restaurant operations, including server, area manager, operating partner and eventually restaurant owner. Aleeza brings experience in administrative operations, team development and organizational management. Together, they own and operate a Denny’s restaurant in Southern California. The first restaurant under the agreement is expected to open in 2027.

“We were looking for a concept that we genuinely believed could succeed in our communities, and Slim Chickens stood out because of the quality and variety of the food, its cooked-to-order approach and the strength of the brand,” said Yasir Nadeem. “After more than 30 years in the restaurant business, I know that long-term success comes from building strong teams, taking care of guests and supporting the communities we serve. Aleeza and I look forward to bringing that approach to Palmdale, Lancaster and Santa Clarita.”

Slim Chickens is supporting continued restaurant development through multiple formats designed to give operators greater flexibility when evaluating real estate opportunities, including freestanding drive-thrus, endcaps, conversions, in-line restaurants, drive-thru-only and non-traditional locations. In August 2026, the brand also launched a Restaurant Development Fund Program that provides qualifying new and existing franchisees with cash investment payments of up to $200,000 per restaurant for eligible in-line and drive-thru endcap development.

“Yasir and Aleeza bring the kind of restaurant experience and local market knowledge we look for as we enter new markets,” said Maureen DiStefano, Director of Franchise Development at Slim Chickens. “They’ve spent decades building teams and serving guests, and they understand what it takes to operate at a high level. As we continue to expand in California, partnerships like this give us a strong foundation for introducing the brand thoughtfully and building for the long term.”

Slim Chickens continues attracting guests around the world 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. 

Founded in Fayetteville, Arkansas, in 2003, Slim Chickens has grown from a single neighborhood restaurant into a global brand with nearly 300 locations open. Today, the brand operates in 32 U.S. states and internationally in the U.K., Ireland, Germany, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Malaysia. As Slim Chickens continues to grow, the brand remains focused on awarding franchise opportunities to qualified, experienced multi-unit operators across 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

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