DiStefano Leverages Two Decades of Experience in Franchise and Business Development and Operations
Slim Chickens, a fast-casual restaurant concept, has named Maureen DiStefano director of franchise development. She has 20 years of franchise development, operations and business development experience with brands including Potbelly Sandwich Works, Dunkin’ Brands, Starbucks, GNC, Magnolia Bakery International, Inspire Brands and Checkers and Rally’s.
“My experience has taught me how important it is to understand both the franchisee and guest experience as a brand grows,” DiStefano said. “Slim Chickens has the runway to really make a splash in markets that have not yet experienced the brand. The friendly feeling you get when you walk into a restaurant is, of course, not unique to hospitality, but we seem to have a natural way of making guests feel welcome. Pair that with delicious food and a strong brand, and I think we have something really special.
“People always drive me to a brand, and this is such a committed and smart team. The opportunity to work with my great colleague Shakon Turner, vice president of domestic franchise growth, again was a huge win for me. The brand looks sharp, serves delicious food and has so much room to grow. I knew it was an opportunity I wanted to be part of.”
DiStefano utilizes her experience developing restaurant concepts across a variety of formats to help accelerate Slim Chickens’ expansion through traditional, Fly-Thru and non-traditional locations. “We want what is best for our franchisees and the entire system we support, and I’m mindful that we are stewards of other people’s investments. We have a responsibility to be thoughtful about who we bring into the system, how we support them and the opportunities we pursue together.”
Matt Green, chief development officer for Slim Chickens, said DiStefano is a key addition to the leadership team because she believes in the brand’s culture and desires to help build something meaningful. “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,” Green said.
About Slim Chickens
Founded in Fayetteville, Ark., in 2003, Slim Chickens serves hand-breaded tenders, wings, sandwiches, wraps, salads, chicken and waffles and jar desserts with Southern hospitality. The fast-casual brand is currently operating in 32 U.S. states and the U.K., Ireland, Germany, Turkey and the Philippines.
