Slim Chickens Secures Second Birmingham Grand Central Location
A new restaurant has been confirmed for Birmingham Grand Central shopping centre, and it continues the city's trend of fried chicken openings. Slim Chickens will occupy the former Paperchase unit, situated next to Mowgli in the area above New Street Station.
This marks the second Slim Chickens outlet within Grand Central, as the brand already operates in the food court. Known for its chicken tenders and burgers, Slim Chickens has multiple locations across Birmingham, including at the Utilita Arena.
Birmingham's 'Chicken Quarter' Continues to Grow
The move comes as Birmingham's food scene sees a surge in chicken restaurant openings. A stretch of New Street is now humorously dubbed the 'Chicken Quarter', with nearby outlets including Nando's, KFC, Wingstop, Popeye's, and Dave's Hot Chicken.
Recent months have witnessed other chicken shops arriving in the area. Last month, Wing Fest opened in Selfridges at the Bullring, while Popeye's launched a Louisiana fried chicken branch in the station below Grand Central during the summer.
Revitalising Grand Central After Closures
The arrival of Slim Chickens is positive news for Birmingham residents, following a series of closures at Grand Central late last year. Shops such as Costa, Caffe Concerto, and The Perfume Shop were among those that exited the centre.
However, new businesses are filling the vacant units. In October, the beloved ramen bar Tonkotsu opened, and shortly after, Pizza Pilgrims launched its first Birmingham branch in a prominent corner plot. Slim Chickens' expansion signals ongoing revitalisation efforts at the shopping hub.
Slim Chickens first arrived in Grand Central in 2019. Paperchase left the centre in 2023, with Ryman briefly taking over the space before Slim Chickens claimed it for its new restaurant.
