17 Mar 2025 Slim Chickens’ co-founder to speak to UACCM students about starting a business  

MORRILTON — The University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton (UACCM) Events Committee will host Tom Gordon, co-founder, and CEO of Slim Chickens for “Challenges of Starting a Business – Personal, Practical, and Ethical” on Tuesday, April 1, in the UACCM Student Union at 12 p.m.

The event is in conjunction with First Presbyterian Church of Morrilton and will provide a first-hand experience from Gordon on what it takes to start a business – not just in terms of money – but regarding character, fortitude, and personal approaches to problem-solving. 

Gordon will discuss the moral values he leaned on in solving problems and which shaped the kind of business he wanted to build, as well as share ethical dilemmas he has run into and how he resolved them.

Slim Chickens has seen accelerated growth backed by a commitment to serve traditional Southern hospitality within its communities while offering the convenience and affordability of fast casual. In 2014, the brand’s first year of franchising, the brand was able to sign on six franchise partners, all of whom have developed multiple units in their respective markets. The brand now has 72 committed franchise partners, over 1,000 franchise unit commitments, 298 open units in 36 states and an international presence with 54 open locations.

The event is free and open to the public, with refreshments provided. 

The University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton is a two-year, public college that offers a comprehensive curriculum of university-transfer and career-specific training programs as well as adult education, workforce training, and community outreach programs. The college’s commitment to excellence in learning and personal enrichment allows students to gain a strong academic foundation in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree or earn the credentials needed for high-wage, high-demand careers.