Fast Casual Nation

Slim Chickens CEO: Gen Z, AI driving industry change

Slim Chickens CEO Tom Gordon reveals how Gen Z's snacking behavior is revolutionizing the fast casual industry and why his 300+ store chicken chain is betting big on AI drive-thru technology.

May 29, 2025

Slim Chickens CEO Tom Gordon reveals how Gen Z's snacking behavior is revolutionizing the fast casual industry and why his 300+ store chicken chain is betting big on AI drive-thru technology.

In this explosive Fast Casual Nation episode, Gordon breaks down the shift from traditional dining to all-day snacking, shares insider secrets about achieving $3,000+ hour volumes with hand-battered chicken, and explains why burger brands are scrambling to add chicken while chicken brands stay in their lanes.

Plus, discover how Slim Chickens is testing drive-thru-only locations, using AI that's 91% accurate vs humans at 84%, and even building a recording studio to connect with younger consumers.