Fifty jobs are to be created with the opening of a new chicken restaurant in Bournemouth next week.

American brand Slim Chickens – affectionately known as Slims – is launching its 13th UK outlet at Bh2 in Exeter Crescent.

A six figure sum has been invested on turning the 4,500 sq ft unit into a 150-cover restaurant, including 25 outside seats.

Franchisee Faisal Jamal, who also runs the Slim Chickens outlet at Southampton’s West Quay, has taken a ten-year lease.

It’s the first coastal location for Slim Chickens which has previously concentrated on London and city sites including Cardiff, Bristol and Birmingham.

Faisal said: “Bournemouth has just the right mix for us.

“Families, students, tourists, businesses – it’s got everything we’re looking for.

“We’ve been searching the region for the right site for 18 months and this location has it all.”

The first Slim Chickens restaurant opened in Fayetteville, Arkansas, in 2003.

There are now more than 100 in the USA.

Its signature products are buttermilk marinated, hand-breaded chicken tenders cooked to order with a range of 15 dipping sauces.

These include Slim’s signature sauce, Blue Cheese, Honey BBQ, Sriracha Garlic and the fiery Inferno.

Also on offer will be a wide selection of fresh chicken sandwiches, wings, salads and wraps as well as sides such as fried pickles and mac’n’cheese.

Drinks include hand-spun shakes in flavours such as Oreo, popcorn and caramel, a Slims IPA and unique cocktails like the Corn Star Martini and Whiskey Smash.

The food and drinks will be served up alongside BT Sport with US sports, Premier League and Champions League shown.

Matt Moran, UK Brand Manager, pictured, claimed Slim Chickens was now the UK’s fastest growing chicken restaurant chain.

He said: “Our first restaurant opened here in 2019 and we’ve been growing fast in what is a very competitive market.

“Our next location will be Newcastle and we have ambitions to be right across the UK.

“We offer 100 per cent British chicken, freshly cooked and delivered to your table in seven minutes.

“It’s all about quality and freshness served with true Southern hospitality.”

Set meals include three tenders, three wings, Texas toast fries, house sauce and bottomless soda for £10.95.

Home delivery will be available via Deliveroo, Just Eats and Uber Eats and there are click and collect options.

The restaurant will play a selection of Blues music and be open 10.30am to 11pm Monday to Thursday and 10.30am to midnight on Friday and Saturday.

Each of the restaurants features a handpainted guitar mural containing local landmarks giving each location an individual feel.

Faisal said he was looking at other locations on the south coast, such as Brighton and Portsmouth, but sites are yet to be secured.

The 50 new jobs at Bournemouth include 15 full-time positions and all team members are receiving six days of training prior to opening.

He added: “We’ll have a mix of tables and booths.

“Whether it’s a couple or a larger group, friends or family, we’ll be the perfect destination.”

The new restaurant has been warmly welcomed by Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce.

Jacqui Rock, President, pictured left, told Dorset Biz News: “Attracting an American brand like Slim Chickens is a real triumph for Bournemouth.

“We are privileged that they have seen what our town has to offer.

“Their long-term commitment, investment and job opportunities is perfectly timed as we re-emerge from the pandemic.”