2018
40
$450,000
$40,000
$1,400,000
No
Big Chicken Franchise is more than just another restaurant opportunity—it’s the bold vision of NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal brought to life in the fast-casual dining industry. With its irresistible fried chicken sandwiches, mac & cheese, hand-crafted sides, and unique flavor twists, Big Chicken is redefining comfort food for American families. The brand has quickly positioned itself as a high-growth franchise in the U.S. foodservice market, combining celebrity-backed credibility with an innovative business model.
Big Chicken isn’t just about food; it’s about creating a memorable dining experience where customers enjoy high-quality meals in a fun, energetic environment. The strong reputation of Shaquille O’Neal as a trusted name, along with a rapidly expanding national presence, makes Big Chicken a premium franchise investment opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking entry into the lucrative fast-casual and quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry.
Celebrity-Backed Brand – Founded and endorsed by Shaquille O’Neal, offering instant brand recognition and credibility.
High-Growth Segment – Positioned in the booming QSR and chicken category, which continues to see strong consumer demand across the U.S.
Unique Menu Concept – Innovative takes on chicken sandwiches, sides, and desserts that stand out from competitors.
Proven Franchise Model – Built for scalability with streamlined operations, modern design, and efficient kitchen systems.
Strong Customer Appeal – Combines fun, sports-inspired branding with delicious comfort food, attracting both families and young demographics.
Marketing Advantage – National publicity and media exposure through Shaquille O’Neal’s personal brand and social media influence.
Established Year: 2018
Founders: Shaquille O’Neal and Authentic Brands Group, with backing from JRS Hospitality and other restaurant veterans.
Franchise Units: 40+ locations operating and many more under development across the U.S. (with aggressive expansion planned).
Company History & Journey: Big Chicken opened its first location in Las Vegas in 2018 and quickly gained attention for its oversized portions, bold flavors, and fun dining experience. With Shaquille O’Neal’s vision and strong operational support, the brand began franchising nationwide, targeting high-traffic urban centers, entertainment districts, airports, and college towns.
Ownership & Brand Presence: Operated under Big Chicken, Inc., with corporate backing from industry experts in franchising and hospitality.
Industry Category: Fast-Casual Dining / Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR) – Chicken Category.
Market Presence in USA: Rapid expansion with locations across Nevada, California, New York, Texas, Washington, and beyond, with nationwide growth plans.
Big Chicken offers comprehensive franchisee support to ensure success from day one:
Pre-Launch Support: Assistance with site selection, lease negotiation, restaurant design, and construction.
Initial Training Program: In-depth training for franchisees and staff covering operations, kitchen management, customer service, and brand culture.
Marketing Support: National and local marketing strategies, brand campaigns, access to PR events, and celebrity-driven promotions powered by Shaquille O’Neal’s media presence.
Operational Support: On-site opening support, vendor partnerships, supply chain management, and menu innovation guidance.
Technology Support: POS systems, mobile ordering platforms, online delivery integration, and analytics to improve business efficiency.
Ongoing Training & Development: Regular franchisee conferences, updated operational manuals, and continued staff training to maintain high standards.
The Big Chicken franchise is designed for motivated entrepreneurs who want to own a high-growth, celebrity-backed restaurant brand with strong national appeal. While prior restaurant or hospitality experience is helpful, it is not always required, as Big Chicken provides extensive training and operational support.
The ideal franchisee profile includes:
Entrepreneurial Background: Individuals with prior experience in business management, hospitality, food service, or franchise operations will have an advantage. However, investors with strong leadership skills and a passion for customer service can also succeed.
Passion for the Brand: Big Chicken franchisees should share Shaquille O’Neal’s vision of delivering bold flavors, oversized portions, and a fun dining experience that customers remember. Franchise owners should be enthusiastic about representing a celebrity-backed, nationally recognized brand.
Financial Capability: Investors should have the necessary liquid capital and net worth to cover franchise fees, infrastructure, staffing, and marketing expenses. Multi-unit development is strongly encouraged for qualified candidates.
Community-Driven Mindset: The brand thrives in areas where franchisees engage with the local community, schools, universities, airports, sports arenas, and entertainment districts. Owners should be eager to build connections and expand brand presence locally.
Operational Dedication: Big Chicken requires owners who can maintain high standards of food quality, guest service, and operational efficiency. Franchisees should either be owner-operators actively managing day-to-day operations or experienced investors who hire strong management teams.
Growth-Oriented Vision: The Big Chicken franchise is best suited for those who want to scale quickly with multiple locations, benefiting from national marketing, strong brand awareness, and a proven business model.
In summary, the ideal Big Chicken franchisee is a passionate, financially capable, customer-focused entrepreneur who sees the value in aligning with a celebrity-powered, fast-casual franchise poised for nationwide growth.
Total Investment Required: $450,000 – $1,400,000 (depending on location and restaurant size).
Minimum Investment Required: $450,000
Franchise Fee: $40,000 per unit
Franchise Units: 40+ operating, with strong growth nationwide.
Infrastructure Cost: Includes restaurant build-out, equipment, and interior design setup.
Marketing Budget: Minimum 2–3% of gross sales allocated to local and national marketing campaigns.
Working Capital: $75,000 – $150,000 recommended for initial operations.
Royalty Fees: 5–6% of gross sales.
Expected ROI: Franchisees can expect ROI within 2–3 years depending on location and operations.
Break-Even Time: Typically 12–24 months.
Potential Revenue Streams: In-store dining, takeout, delivery, catering, online orders, and special events promotions.
