Sophie Bennett
Shaquille O'Neal, the 7'1 Hall of Fame basketball player, founded the fast-food restaurant chain Big Chicken in 2018. The chain's menu features chicken sandwiches, tenders, salads, sides, and milkshakes. The first Big Chicken restaurant opened in Las Vegas, Nevada, and the chain has since expanded to various locations across the United States, including Arizona, California, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington, and Tennessee.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the restaurant chain | Big Chicken |
| Owner | Shaquille O'Neal |
| Year founded | 2018 |
| Type of food | Chicken sandwiches, grilled cheese, mac and cheese, salads, milkshakes, fries, etc. |
| Locations | Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Seattle, Houston, Arizona, Illinois, Ohio, New York, Massachusetts, Michigan, Arkansas, etc. |
| Number of locations in development | Over 300 |
| Specialities | Large portion sizes, unique combinations of flavours |
| Price range | $8.49-$19 for a combo |
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What You'll Learn
- Shaquille O'Neal opened the first Big Chicken in 2018
- The chain has expanded to over 300 locations
- Menu items are named after O'Neal's childhood favourites
- The Shaq Attack sandwich is topped with pepper jack cheese and jalapeño slaw
- Big Chicken CEO Josh Halpern plans to expand the brand's presence across the Midwest
Shaquille O'Neal opened the first Big Chicken in 2018
Shaquille O'Neal, the NBA Hall of Fame basketball player, opened his first Big Chicken restaurant in Las Vegas, Nevada, in October 2018. The restaurant chain, founded by O'Neal, offers a quick-service model with a menu inspired by his home-cooked childhood favourites. This includes chicken sandwiches, crispy chicken grilled cheese, jalapeño slaw, hand-crafted ice cream shakes, root beer, and more.
Big Chicken has since expanded to various locations across the United States, including Arizona, California, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Arkansas. The chain has over 300 locations in development nationwide.
The menu features items named after O'Neal's family members, such as "Uncle Jerome," a Nashville hot chicken sandwich, and "Lucille's Mac n' Cheese," with a Cheez-It crust. Other notable menu items include the Shaq Attack chicken sandwich, The Ultimate chicken sandwich topped with mac and cheese and onion rings, crinkle fries, and milkshakes.
Big Chicken gained further attention through a reality TV series, "Big Chicken Shaq," which premiered on Facebook Watch in October 2018, coinciding with the opening of the first restaurant.
With O'Neal's fame and the unique menu offerings, Big Chicken has attracted customers seeking a fun and indulgent dining experience.
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The chain has expanded to over 300 locations
Shaquille O'Neal, the NBA legend, founded the fast-food restaurant chain Big Chicken in 2018. The chain has expanded to over 300 locations, including restaurants in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Seattle, Houston, Arizona, Illinois, Ohio, New York, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Arkansas.
Big Chicken's menu is inspired by O'Neal's home-cooked childhood favourites, including chicken sandwiches, crispy chicken grilled cheese, jalapeño slaw, hand-crafted ice cream shakes, and root beer. The chain has also committed to not using hormones or preservatives in any of its products and only using cage-free chickens.
Big Chicken's rapid expansion can be attributed to its franchise program, which was announced in August 2021. The chain has signed leases for new locations and plans to open dozens more restaurants across the country. Big Chicken's website provides information on its current and upcoming locations, making it easy for customers to find their nearest restaurant.
The success of Big Chicken is a testament to O'Neal's business acumen and the popularity of its menu offerings. With over 300 locations, Big Chicken has become a prominent player in the quick-service restaurant industry, offering a unique and enjoyable dining experience to customers across the United States.
The chain's expansion has also brought economic benefits to the communities in which it has established locations. Big Chicken's restaurants create job opportunities and contribute to the local economies through tax revenues and supply chain purchases.
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Menu items are named after O'Neal's childhood favourites
Shaquille O'Neal, the larger-than-life basketball legend, has opened a chicken restaurant chain, and the menu is a tribute to his childhood favorites. The restaurant, named Big Chicken, serves up a variety of comfort food dishes that harken back to Shaq's youth. The menu is a fun and flavorful journey through the dishes that fueled the young athlete's rise to stardom.
One of the star menu items at Big Chicken is the Shaq-a-Roni pizza. This pizza is a nod to O'Neal's love of a good slice, and it's a generous size, just like the man himself. Loaded with cheese and toppings, it's a filling meal that satisfies any craving. Another favorite is the Big Chicken Sandwich, a towering creation that reflects Shaq's larger-than-life personality. It's a hearty sandwich with a crispy chicken patty, topped with pickles and a special sauce, all served on a soft bun.
The sides and appetizers also carry a lot of significance. You'll find classic comfort foods like mac and cheese, fried pickles, and loaded fries. These are the kinds of dishes that Shaq grew up snacking on, and they provide a nostalgic taste of home. The loaded fries, in particular, are a generous helping of crispy fries smothered in cheese, bacon, and green onions—a true indulgence.
Dessert is not forgotten either, with a fun and playful option on the menu. The Big Chocolate Chip Cookie, served warm with a glass of ice-cold milk, is a sweet ending to the meal and a delightful throwback to after-school snacks. The portions are generous, just as Shaq likes them, and the cookie is soft and gooey, with a slight crunch from the sugar sprinkling on top.
Shaq's Big Chicken restaurant truly captures the essence of the basketball star's favorite foods. By naming the dishes after his childhood favorites, the menu offers a unique and personal dining experience. It's a fun way to learn more about one of the greatest basketball players of all time while enjoying some seriously tasty comfort food. The restaurant brings a bit of Shaq's larger-than-life personality to the table, ensuring a memorable dining experience.
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The Shaq Attack sandwich is topped with pepper jack cheese and jalapeño slaw
Shaquille O'Neal, the NBA Hall of Famer, has ventured into the restaurant business with his chain of chicken restaurants called Big Chicken. The first Big Chicken restaurant opened in Las Vegas, Nevada, in October 2018, and the chain has since expanded rapidly across the United States.
Big Chicken's menu features a variety of chicken dishes, including sandwiches, tenders, salads, sides, and milkshakes. Among these options is the Shaq Attack sandwich, which has become a notable item on the menu.
The Shaq Attack sandwich is a mouthwatering creation, generously topped with pepper jack cheese and jalapeño slaw. The combination of flavours and textures makes it a unique offering. The pepper jack cheese adds a creamy, spicy kick to the sandwich, while the jalapeño slaw brings a crunchy texture and a tangy, slightly spicy flavour. These toppings complement each other, creating a delicious and indulgent eating experience.
The Shaq Attack sandwich also includes other ingredients, such as spicy chipotle barbecue sauce, which adds a smoky and slightly sweet dimension to the overall flavour profile. Customers even have the option to add guacamole, elevating the sandwich even further. The addition of avocado brings a creamy texture and a cool, refreshing taste that balances out the spice from the cheese and jalapeños.
The Shaq Attack sandwich is not just about the toppings, though. The chicken itself is a key component. Big Chicken is known for using only cage-free chickens, and their portions are generous. The chicken in the Shaq Attack is grilled to perfection, adding a slight char and a juicy texture that pairs exceptionally well with the chosen toppings.
The Shaq Attack sandwich is a testament to Shaquille O'Neal's creative approach to food. It showcases his willingness to experiment with bold flavours and generous portions, reflecting his larger-than-life personality. This sandwich is a must-try for fans of Shaq, spice enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a unique and indulgent chicken sandwich experience.
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Big Chicken CEO Josh Halpern plans to expand the brand's presence across the Midwest
Shaquille O'Neal's fast-casual chicken chain, Big Chicken, has been making big moves since hiring its first CEO, Josh Halpern, in 2021. With Halpern on board, Big Chicken has experienced explosive expansion, signing over 200 agreements in several markets in less than a year after the company's franchising program launch.
Halpern, who previously served as the chief sales officer for brewing company FIFCO USA, brings a wealth of experience to the role. During his time at Anheuser-Busch InBev, he was instrumental in creating 46 branded, licensed experiential zones in restaurants and bars in various locations, including stadiums, airports, and hotels.
Now, as the CEO of Big Chicken, Halpern is focused on expanding the brand's presence across the Midwest. The chain already has a strong presence in states like Texas, with locations in Richmond and Baton Rouge, and has recently opened its first Michigan location in Clio, with plans to open 20 units across the eastern region of the state.
In addition to geographical expansion, Halpern is committed to creating deeper connections with guests and employees. He recognizes the importance of adapting training materials to suit the predominantly Gen Z workforce and is working with the Health Benefit Alliance to offer part-time employees health insurance. Big Chicken is also in discussions with a university to offer financial literacy classes for its employees.
Halpern is also focused on creating more authentic connections with consumers, leveraging data to move away from transactional relationships. The brand plans to launch a loyalty program that provides families with flexible options for redeeming points, including food, merchandise, experiences, or cash. With these initiatives, Halpern is steering Big Chicken towards even greater success and a stronger presence across the Midwest and beyond.
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Frequently asked questions
The name of Shaq's chicken restaurant is Big Chicken.
Shaq's chicken restaurant, Big Chicken, has locations in various states including California, Arizona, Texas, Massachusetts, Michigan, and more.
Some popular items on the menu at Big Chicken include the Shaq Attack chicken sandwich, The Ultimate chicken sandwich, crinkle fries, milkshakes, and dirty fries.
