Vaughan Joined the Fast-Casual Franchise in 2021
Slim Chickens, an Arkansas-based fast-casual franchise, has promoted Christina Vaughan to president and chief operating officer. Since joining as senior vice president of operations in 2021, Vaughan has supported the rollout of new restaurant formats and investments in technology.
As president and COO, Vaughan is positioned to align development, operations and franchisee performance to drive stronger domestic results, elevate the guest experience and support long-term profitability. “The roles are very complementary. Growth strategy and operational performance are deeply connected, and having oversight of both allows us to ensure alignment between what we plan and how we execute.
“Rather than managing two separate roles, my focus is on integration — making sure development decisions, operational investments and franchise support all move in the same direction. We have a strong leadership team in place, and my role is to provide clarity, reinforce accountability and keep the organization focused on consistent execution as we scale. It’s an exciting stage for Slim Chickens, and I’m energized by the opportunity to help guide the brand through this next phase of disciplined growth.”
Since joining Slim Chickens, Vaughan said she has seen growth in terms of unit count and operational maturity. “We’ve strengthened our infrastructure, enhanced field support and built more structure around training, performance management and franchisee support to ensure our growth is sustainable,” she said. “We’ve also become more intentional about aligning development with operational readiness. Our focus is on disciplined, profitable growth — making sure every new restaurant opens into a system that can fully support it. What hasn’t changed is the heart of the brand. Our commitment to high-quality food, genuine hospitality and strong franchise relationships remains the foundation of who we are.”
Leading a Team
Vaughan said clarity, consistency and accountability are essential to her leadership philosophy. “Leadership starts with setting clear expectations and making sure teams and franchisees have the tools, resources and support they need to succeed. I believe in collaborative leadership — listening to operators, learning from data and making thoughtful decisions that strengthen the system as a whole. Strong leadership also means being consistent. When communication is clear and expectations don’t change, people can focus on execution and perform at a high level.”
Tom Gordon, chief executive officer of Slim Chickens, said Vaughan’s promotion reflects her dedication and contributions to the brand’s ongoing growth and success. “This is a defining moment for Slim Chickens. Over the last four years, Christina has evolved into a true cultural and business leader for our brand. Her impact on our operations, our people and our franchise community has been extraordinary,” Gordon said.
About Slim Chickens
Slim Chickens opened in 2003 in Fayetteville, Ark., and prides itself on its Southern flair and commitment to hospitality. The brand’s menu features chicken tenders, fresh salads, sandwiches, chicken and waffles and chicken wings, alongside 14 house dipping sauces.
