Slim Chickens is now open in Fort Walton Beach, as the newest location for the fast-casual restaurant chain.

• In addition to the new location, owners Richard Maddox and Becky Rutherford also own the Slim Chickens restaurants in Panama City, Pensacola and Lynn Haven.

Maddox and Rutherford have spent over 20 years building a career in the restaurant industry. The Fort Walton Slim Chickens location represents the brand’s fourth location in Florida in the past 18 months, all owned by Maddox and Rutherford.

“After two successful openings in the area last year, we are very excited to bring our fourth panhandle Slim Chickens location to Fort Walton Beach,” said Maddox. “The brand is known for bringing the community together with its southern hospitality and food, and we’re excited to share that with Fort Walton Beach. My immense growth in 2021 was made possible by the support of the Slim Chickens corporate team and the resources they provide to help us take care of our customers.”

Aside from bringing their fried chicken and Southern-inspired sides to the area, the new Slim Chickens location in Fort Walton Beach will also create over 75 new job opportunities in the local community.

Since its founding in 2003, Slim Chickens has celebrated over 150 openings in 26 states, with an overall goal of opening 600 restaurants by 2025.

“Our freshly made southern dishes and homemade recipes create loyal guests who feel good about the food they’re eating, and we’re proud to be able to grow our loyal fan base into the Fort Walton Beach market,” said Slim Chickens Chief Operating Officer Sam Rothschild.

The restaurant is located at 131 Miracle Strip Pkwy SW in Fort Walton Beach, right in front of the Holiday Inn.