Fast-casual restaurant Slim Chickens opening in North Charlotte

Why it matters: Slim Chickens, set to open on March 1, originated in Fayetteville in 2003 and has become one of the fastest-growing fast-casual concepts in the country.

“There are more than 600 in development that will open in the next 10 years,” Charlotte franchise COO Josh Frankel tells me.

• Plus: Frankel’s partners, Rob Bryan and Jonathan Crumpler, are both from North Carolina and have lived in Charlotte for more than 20 years.

Menu: The restaurant will serve chicken tenders and wings primarily, but also offers sandwiches, salads, wraps, chicken and waffles, and their signature mason jar desserts.

Charlotte dominates the fried chicken food scene, so I had to ask— how will Slim Chickens stack up against its competitors? Frankel says “the quality of service” and the food itself give it an edge.

Details: The restaurant has a rock-and-roll theme, an outdoor patio and a drive-thru.

• Operating hours: 10:30am to 11pm, seven days a week.
• The exact address is 5535 Prosperity Ridge Rd.

What’s next: The restaurant group hopes to open 30 eateries in the next decade.

• The Charlotte franchise is the first of six that will open in the Carolinas this year, with plans to open in Colombia, Indian Trail, Concord, Fort Mill and Pembroke.