Big Chicken's Growth: Shaq's Restaurant Empire Expands

Shaquille O'Neal's Big Chicken restaurant chain has been rapidly expanding since it was founded in 2018. The chain, inspired by O'Neal's childhood favourites, has locations across the United States, including Arizona, California, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington. With over 300 locations in development across the country, Big Chicken shows no signs of slowing down, and Shaquille O'Neal is well on his way to establishing a fast-food empire.

Shaq's Big Chicken has over 300 locations in development across the US

Shaquille O'Neal's Big Chicken restaurant chain has experienced rapid expansion and as of 2024, there are over 300 locations in development across the United States. The first Big Chicken restaurant opened in Las Vegas, Nevada, in October 2018, and the chain has since expanded to various states, including Arizona, California, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington, and Massachusetts.

Big Chicken's menu features items inspired by O'Neal's childhood favorites, including massive sandwiches, chicken tenders, Cheez-It-crusted mac n' cheese, shakes, popcorn chicken, and milkshakes. The chain has committed to using only cage-free chickens and does not use hormones or preservatives in its products.

The rapid expansion of the Big Chicken empire can be attributed to its franchising business model, which it adopted in 2021. Within a year of this transition, they had confirmed 200 franchises, an impressive 17-fold increase from their initial 18 stores. This growth is further accelerated by their partnership with H&D Group Investments, which is actively scouting new locations and signing expansion deals.

As of 2024, Big Chicken has expanded its presence in Texas, with locations in Austin, Houston, and Richmond, and plans to open another in Lubbock the same year. They have also opened their first location in Michigan, with more restaurants planned throughout the state, including in Ann Arbor, Lansing, Flint, Saginaw, and Mt. Pleasant. With over 300 locations in development, Shaq's Big Chicken is well on its way to establishing a nationwide presence in the competitive restaurant industry.

The first Big Chicken opened in Las Vegas in 2018

Shaquille O'Neal's Big Chicken restaurant chain has come a long way since the first location opened its doors in Las Vegas, Nevada, in October 2018. The Las Vegas-based restaurant, founded in 2018, is known for its menu inspired by O'Neal's childhood favourites, including massive sandwiches, chicken tenders, and shakes.

The opening of the first Big Chicken in Las Vegas was a significant milestone for the brand, and it set the tone for the future success and expansion of the restaurant chain. The Las Vegas location served as a flagship store, introducing customers to the unique offerings and ambiance that have now become synonymous with the Big Chicken name.

The menu at the first Big Chicken location in Las Vegas featured a variety of options that would become staples at other outlets. Customers could choose from dishes like crispy chicken grilled cheese, jalapeño slaw, hand-crafted ice cream shakes, root beer, and more. Many of the menu items were named after O'Neal's loved ones, such as "Uncle Jerome" and "Lucille's Mac n' Cheese," paying homage to the people who influenced his culinary journey.

The Las Vegas opening also marked the beginning of Big Chicken's commitment to using only cage-free chickens and avoiding hormones or preservatives in their products. This commitment to quality and freshness has been a key differentiator for the brand and has contributed to its widespread appeal.

Since the inaugural Las Vegas location, Big Chicken has expanded rapidly across the United States. As of 2023, the chain has over 300 locations in development across the country, with plans to open restaurants in various states, including Arizona, California, Maryland, New York, Ohio, and Texas, among others. The expansion has been fuelled by the brand's franchising business model, which has attracted franchisees and accelerated its growth trajectory.

There are three Big Chicken locations in Texas

Shaquille O'Neal's Big Chicken restaurant chain has rapidly expanded across the United States since its founding in 2018. The chain, inspired by O'Neal's childhood favourites, has committed to using only cage-free chickens and no hormones or preservatives in its products. With over 300 locations in development across the country, Big Chicken has already established a strong presence in Texas, with three locations in the state as of 2024.

The first Big Chicken restaurant in Texas opened in Austin, followed by another in Houston, where O'Neal's daughter, Taahirah, resides. The third location is in Richmond, and the chain has plans to continue its expansion in the state, with a new location expected to open in Lubbock in 2024.

Big Chicken's Texas locations offer a variety of menu items, including massive sandwiches, chicken tenders, Cheez-It-crusted mac n' cheese, shakes, popcorn chicken, and milkshakes. The chain has also opened locations in other states, including Arizona, California, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, and Washington, among others.

The rapid expansion of Big Chicken is a testament to its popularity and the business acumen of Shaquille O'Neal, who has successfully leveraged his brand and reputation to establish a thriving restaurant chain. With new locations in the works, Big Chicken is poised to become an even bigger player in the fast-food industry, bringing its unique take on chicken sandwiches and sides to more communities across Texas and beyond.

The first Michigan location opened in 2024

Shaquille O'Neal's Big Chicken restaurant chain has expanded rapidly since it first opened in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 2018. The basketball star's business has grown into a franchise with over 300 locations in development across the United States. The first Michigan location opened in 2024, marking a significant milestone in the company's expansion.

Big Chicken's debut in Michigan represents a strategic move by the company to tap into a new market and cater to the demands of its growing customer base in the Midwest. The first restaurant in the state opened its doors in Clio, with additional sites planned for Linden Road and other parts of Michigan, including metro Detroit, Ann Arbor, Lansing, Flint, Saginaw, and Mt. Pleasant. With multiple locations in the works, the company intends to establish a strong presence in the state.

The Michigan expansion is part of Big Chicken's aggressive growth strategy, which includes signing more expansion deals, scouting locations, and franchising. The company's decision to open in Michigan was facilitated by a deal with H&D Group Investments, which is committed to developing multiple locations throughout the state. This partnership underscores the potential seen in the Michigan market and reflects the brand's broader expansion strategy.

The menu at Big Chicken is inspired by O'Neal's childhood favourites and features a variety of options, including chicken sandwiches, crispy chicken grilled cheese, jalapeño slaw, hand-crafted ice cream shakes, root beer, chicken tenders, and chicken Caesar salads. The restaurant chain is also committed to using only cage-free chickens and avoiding hormones and preservatives in its products.

The first Michigan location of Big Chicken opening in 2024 is a testament to the brand's success and popularity. With its expansion into new territories, Big Chicken is well on its way to establishing a nationwide presence and solidifying its position as a leading player in the restaurant industry. This expansion reflects the company's ambitious goals and its commitment to bringing O'Neal's unique culinary vision to a broader audience.

The chain has restaurants in California, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Washington, and more

Shaquille O'Neal's Big Chicken chain has restaurants in several states across the US. The chain has at least 300 locations in development across the country, with plans to open more. As of 2024, Big Chicken has restaurants in California, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Washington, and several other states.

California is home to two Big Chicken locations in Glendale and Valencia. The chain also has a presence in the Midwest, with locations in Kansas and Missouri. In Missouri, customers can find Big Chicken in the Kansas City International Airport terminal and the Blues stadium. The chain has also expanded to the East Coast, with restaurants in Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

Big Chicken has a strong presence in Texas, with three locations in Austin, Houston, and Richmond. The chain also has plans to open additional restaurants in the state, including one in Lubbock in 2024 and another in Killeen. Texas is a significant market for Shaquille O'Neal, who has ties to the state and owns a home there.

Other states with Big Chicken locations include Arizona, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New York, and Ohio. The chain's first restaurant opened in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 2018, and it has since expanded rapidly. Big Chicken has a diverse menu featuring chicken sandwiches, tenders, grilled cheese, shakes, and more. The chain also offers unique items like Cheez-It-crusted mac n' cheese and jalapeño slaw.

Frequently asked questions