Slim Chickens Officially Opens in Batesville
One of the area's most anticipated restaurant openings officially became a reality as the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated the grand opening of Slim Chickens with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by community leaders, Chamber Ambassadors, employees, and excited customers.
Amanda Roberts, Membership Engagement Specialist for the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the crowd before leading the official countdown to open the restaurant.
"The Davis family continues to invest in Batesville, and that investment is making a lasting impact on our community," Roberts said. "Their commitment to economic growth, job creation, and enhancing the quality of life in Batesville is something we deeply appreciate."
Scott Davis, whose family owns and operates the new restaurant, shared that bringing Slim Chickens to Batesville has been a vision more than two years in the making.
"We've been working on this project for the last two years," Davis said. "This development began with our Sonic Drive-In on the corner, followed by Slim Chickens, and soon Waffle House will complete the vision for this location."
Davis credited Mickey Powell and Jane Powell for helping shape the development and thanked the City of Batesville for its partnership throughout the project.
A Batesville native who spent many years living in the community, Davis reflected on how meaningful it is to continue investing in the city he considers home.
"This is home for me," he said. "Our family has deep roots here, and we take tremendous pride in investing in Batesville because we believe in this community."
The restaurant has already experienced an enthusiastic response from customers, with record-breaking opening days. Davis recognized General Manager Cara Mourer and Director of Operations Trey Harris for their leadership, noting that many of the company's top leaders—including several managing restaurants across multiple states—began their careers in Batesville.
"Our people make the difference," Davis said. "What may start as an entry-level job can become an incredible career. We want to provide opportunities for people to grow, develop leadership skills, and succeed wherever life takes them."
Located at the corner of St. Louis Street and Lawrence Street, adjacent to Sonic Drive-In, Slim Chickens offers its signature hand-breaded chicken tenders, wings, sandwiches, fresh salads, Southern sides, desserts, and a variety of house-made dipping sauces. The restaurant also offers catering for businesses, meetings, and special events.
During the ceremony, Davis encouraged area businesses and organizations to consider Slim Chickens for catering needs and highlighted the restaurant's commitment to supporting community events throughout the year.
He also praised Batesville's continued momentum.
"The City of Batesville should be proud," Davis said. "Between the leadership, the businesses, and the community support, this is one of the best communities in Arkansas."
The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce welcomes Slim Chickens to its growing membership and congratulates the Davis family and the entire Slim Chickens team on their successful opening. Their investment represents continued confidence in Batesville's economic future and provides new dining options, employment opportunities, and community partnerships for residents and visitors alike.
Ambassadors in attendance include: Aaron Herndon (Citizens Bank), Abigail Ballard (Lifeplus), Alex McClain (Myers-Davis Life Coaching), Ashlyn Blevins Myers-Davis Life Coaching), Ashley Davis (First Community Bank), Brandi Curbo (Batesville Guard), Brenda Rivera (First Community Bank), Cassidy Mitchell (Lyon College), Chad Whitaker (White River Now), Christina Watts (LaCroix Precision Optics), Eva Henriksen (Citizens Bank), Julie Hinkle (Bank of Cave City), Michael Kelley (Peco Foods), Nathan Dowen (Citizens Bank), Sarah Perkins (Mossy Oak Properties), Taylor Williams (First Community Bank), and Tiffany Traw (UACCB).
