AN American fast-food chain has revealed it will open its first Essex restaurant in six weeks as work takes place at the site. 

Slim Chickens is replacing the old Firejacks restaurant at Festival Leisure Park, Basildon. It will be the chain’s 59th UK location. 

It comes as a host of new businesses target Festival Leisure Park, with both Wendy’s and Costa Coffee both set to open new drive-through sites. 

To celebrate Slim Chickens’ opening it will be handing out 5,000 golden tickets to its first customers, offering the chance to win a range of prizes including free Slim Chickens for a year and complimentary meals.

The new Slim Chickens will replace the empty former SprinklesThe new Slim Chickens will replace the empty former Firejacks (Image: George Pizani)

Labour councillor for Pitsea South East, Ben Westwick welcomed the addition of another big name to Basildon’s eating out industry.

He said: “I feel like having the first Slim Chicken in Essex is a great thing, especially to have them come to such a prestigious place as Festival Leisure Park.

“It will bring in more people to try different foods in the local area and I wish them the best of luck going forward.”

Slim Chickens specialises in Southern US-inspired cuisineSlim Chickens specialises in Southern American inspired cuisine (Image: Slim Chickens) The first 30 guests through the doors on opening day will also receive a free serving of chicken tenders.

Slim Chickens is the latest chain to find a home in Basildon, with Vue, Nando’s and a Loungers venue all arriving in recent months. This will be its second restaurant in Essex, with the first opening at Colchester's Northern Gateway.

Founded in the heartland of Arkansas, Slim Chickens has quickly gained a loyal following in the UK for its Southern-inspired dishes.

The menu will also include a variety of sandwiches, wraps, salads, and fan-favourite sides like fried pickles, as well as plant-based options.

Ben Blore, head of operations, shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming launch: “We’re thrilled to bring Slim Chickens to Basildon in just six weeks. Our team has been dedicated to making sure every guest experiences our fresh, cooked-to-order chicken and authentic Southern hospitality at its finest.”