Franchising

Slim Chickens, Crisp & Green see growth potential in Florida

istock

February 12, 2021

Although fast casual brands, Slim Chickens and Crisp & Green, offer strikingly different cuisine, both have set their sights on Florida.

Arkansas-based Slim Chickens has partnered with North Florida Restaurant Group to open 10 units in the Florida panhandle. The franchisee opened its first Florida location last year in Panama City and is adding another this year in Lynnhaven, according to a company press release.

Slim Chickens, which has 120 locations in the United States, Kuwait and the United Kingdom, has more than 500 locations in development.

Crisp & Green, which has eight locations and is known for its salads and grain bowls, also has 10 locations planned for Florida but in Orlando and Tampa. Founder Steele Smiley, who opened his first grab 'n' go salad shop and part-time fitness house five years ago in Wayzata, Minnesota, said Orlando and Tampa's demographics were key to the franchise's growth strategy.

"Communities in these areas have a desire for a healthy lifestyle and Crisp & Green is always on the lookout for markets that are wellness-driven and have engaged fitness communities," he told FastCasual.

With an annual unit volume per store at more than $1.8 million, the chain is on track to triple in size this year, according to Smiley, who said the chain has a cult following in nearly every market it enters with 20% of customers visiting three times a week.