Turner Previously Held Leadership Roles with Dunkin’, Baskin-Robbins and Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop
Slim Chickens, a leading fast-casual franchise, has named Shakon “Shak” Turner vice president of domestic franchise growth. Turner is responsible for strengthening the brand’s franchisee pipeline and expanding its footprint across traditional and non-traditional formats.
“What really stood out to me about Slim Chickens was the balance between a differentiated guest experience and a model that’s clearly built to scale. The brand has built strong momentum, but it’s doing so in a disciplined and intentional way,” she said.
“I was also drawn to the flexibility of the concept. Between traditional restaurants, fly-thru, or drive-thru-only, locations and non-traditional opportunities, there’s still a significant amount of whitespace for growth while maintaining a strong brand identity and operational consistency. I’m excited about the opportunity to continue building strong markets with experienced operators while supporting long-term, sustainable growth for the brand.”
The restaurant industry veteran has previously served in leadership roles with Dunkin’, Baskin-Robbins, Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop and Galardi Group Inc. She said those experiences taught her that strong franchise development is about identifying the right markets, building strong partnerships and ensuring brands have the infrastructure to scale. “That perspective aligns very well with where Slim Chickens is today and where the brand is headed next.”
Slim Chickens has already opened 10 new locations so far this year. She credited the fast-casual brand’s strong positioning to its clear identity, which is rooted in menu variety and Southern hospitality. “The brand’s focus on choice and customization resonates strongly with today’s consumers, while its flexible formats and operational simplicity position it well for continued growth.”
Matt Green, chief development officer for Slim Chickens, said Turner “brings a level of discipline and strategic thinking that will help us continue building strong markets with experienced operators, while maintaining the consistency and performance that define the Slim Chickens brand.”
Turner, who lives with her family in Texas, enjoys scuba diving and has been fortunate to dive in beautiful places around the world, including Komodo National Park in Indonesia.
About Slim Chickens
Slim Chickens opened in 2003 in Fayetteville, Ark. The brand’s menu features chicken tenders, fresh salads, sandwiches, chicken and waffles, chicken wings and side items, alongside 14 house dipping sauces. Since its founding, Slim Chickens has grown to nearly 300 locations in 32 U.S. states and internationally in the U.K., Ireland, Germany, Turkey and the Philippines.
