Slim Chickens to suspend dining room service in all NWA restaurants

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Fayetteville-based restaurant chain Slim Chickens on Tuesday announced plans to voluntarily suspend dining room operations at all of their Northwest Arkansas restaurants effective on Wednesday, July 22.

The increase in COVID-19 infection rates in the region led to the decision for a “proactive approach,” officials said in a media release issued Tuesday afternoon.

“The health and safety of our guests, employees, families and the communities we serve is our top priority,” said Tom Gordon, Slim Chickens co-founder and CEO. “We’re proceeding with great caution as we continue to navigate this unprecedented period and doing our part to mitigate the spread.”

Eight restaurants, including the four Fayetteville locations, and stores in Springdale, Rogers, Bentonville, and Fort Smith will instead focus on carryout, curbside, drive thru, and delivery service until further notice.

“We’re fortunate to be in a position to function without the use of our dining rooms efficiently and effectively, operating through a limited contact experience and continuing our drive thru, carry out and curbside service, processes we have perfected over the past several months,” Gordon said.

The restaurant has implemented increased cleaning and disinfecting measures since the pandemic began, along with temperature checks and masks and gloves required for employees, among other safety measures

In addition, the restaurant will be testing enhanced features of their online ordering system in Northwest Arkansas to streamline curbside service, officials said.