Shaq’s Big Chicken Franchise Gets New Multi-Unit Franchisees

Big Chicken, the fast-casual chicken concept founded by basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal, is expanding its reach. The brand recently signed multi-unit deals with franchisees in  Massachusetts and Michigan, reported Franchising.com. 

In Massachusetts, an additional six Big Chicken locations will be opened by friends and experienced restaurant operators Martin Lachance, Barry Lattuca, Michael Scibelli and James O’Hanlon. The locations will open in the Boston, Metro West, Cape Cod and Northshore regions. The franchisees also own two Mooyah Burgers, Fries & Shakes restaurants in the Boston area. 

“With a deep-rooted history in Boston and its restaurant scene, we are thrilled to venture into the exciting world of Big Chicken,” said Lattuca. "When we went for the Discovery Day, we knew it was the right fit because we truly love the product and the passion behind it. For us, it's not just about the celebrity connection; it's about the food. We can’t wait to expand the brand's presence along the coast of Boston.”

In Michigan, Big Chicken is slated to open in the town of Hartland in the spring of 2024 as part of a 20-unit agreement with the operators behind H&D Group Investments. The group plans to bring more locations in Metro Detroit, Ann Arbor, Lansing, Flint, Saginaw and Mount Pleasant.

“We’re pleased with the progress we’ve made thus far in securing premium real estate to open Big Chicken locations across eastern Michigan,” said a spokesperson from H&D Group Investments. “Our newest location in Hartland marks the next BIG step in our journey of bringing big flavor, big food and, most importantly, big fun to our communities.”

Big Chicken was founded by O’Neal in 2018 and backed by a dream team of partners: JRS Hospitality, an accomplished Las Vegas-based ownership group, and Authentic Brands Group, a multi-national, multi-billion-dollar brand development, marketing and entertainment company. In 2021, O’Neal officially became a franchisor after launching the Big Chicken franchise concept. 

“This team has built a world-class menu,” Big Chicken CEO Josh Halpern told Forbes. “We have amazing milkshakes. We have a different value proposition with our chicken sandwiches. We have 5-ounce chicken sandwiches while most are in the 2-to-2 ½-ounce range. We’re also hormone- and antibiotic-free. Our chicken is breaded and fried in-store with proprietary breading, and we have so many options compared to others.”

In 2022, the franchise debuted its first location in Dayton, Ohio. O’Neal has been involved in all aspects of building out the Big Chicken franchise, from naming the chicken sandwiches after people he admires, like the “Charles Barkley,” to the sourcing of the supply chain.

Read the full story here.

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• Shaq-Owned Big Chicken Debuts First Franchise Location