Slim Chickens' CEO to Speak at UCA Business Lecture Series

Tom Gordon, co-founder and CEO of the fast-growing restaurant chain, will share his entrepreneurial vision with students and the public.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:54pm

A highly detailed, photorealistic studio photograph of a polished metal sculpture in the shape of a chicken, resting on a clean white background and dramatically lit to convey a sense of the Slim Chickens brand's premium quality and strategic growth.A sculptural representation of Slim Chickens' premium branding and strategic expansion under CEO Tom Gordon's leadership.Fayetteville Today

Tom Gordon, the co-founder and CEO of Fayetteville-based Slim Chickens, will be the featured speaker at the University of Central Arkansas College of Business' Davis Lecture Series on April 7. Gordon will discuss his leadership in growing Slim Chickens from a single Arkansas store in 2003 to a global brand with a goal of 600 locations by 2028.

Why it matters

The Davis Lecture Series brings prominent business leaders to UCA to share their experiences and insights with students, faculty, and the community. Gordon's talk will provide valuable entrepreneurial and strategic perspectives as Slim Chickens continues its rapid expansion.

The details

Gordon co-founded Slim Chickens in 2003 and has served as its CEO, driving the brand's growth into a global presence. Under his leadership, the company aims to reach 600 locations by 2028. Gordon is known for providing personalized support to Slim Chickens' franchisees as the brand scales.

  • The Davis Lecture Series event featuring Tom Gordon will take place on April 7, 2026 at 1:40 p.m.

The players

Tom Gordon

Co-founder and CEO of Slim Chickens, a fast-growing restaurant chain based in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

University of Central Arkansas College of Business

The business school at the University of Central Arkansas that is hosting the Davis Lecture Series event with Tom Gordon as the featured speaker.

Davis Family

The donors who established the Davis Lecture Series at the University of Central Arkansas College of Business in 2010 to bring prominent business leaders to campus.

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What they’re saying

“'Tom and his co-founder began their journey in 2003 with one Arkansas store, and because of Tom's leadership, Slim Chickens has expanded into a global brand.'”

— Dr. Tim Bisping, Dean of the UCA College of Business

What’s next

The Davis Lecture Series event featuring Tom Gordon is open to the public and will take place on the UCA campus on April 7, 2026.

The takeaway

Slim Chickens' rapid growth under CEO Tom Gordon's leadership provides valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and business students on building a successful, scalable brand through personalized franchisee support and a strategic vision for expansion.