Shaquille O’Neal-Owned Big Chicken Antes Up in Las Vegas

Big Chicken
Published: April 29th, 2022

Local Restaurateur Signs Franchise Agreement to Expand Fast-Casual Chicken Brand with Eight New Locations in Las Vegas and Henderson

April 29, 2022 // Franchising.com // LAS VEGAS - Big Chicken is scoring BIG in Las Vegas.

Big Chicken, the fast casual chicken concept founded by Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal, announced today that it has signed a franchise agreement with accomplished restaurateur Vincent Alba (Vinnie) to open eight new Big Chicken locations in the Vegas city limits and nearby suburban Henderson.

“I was instantly hooked from the moment I tasted the food at Big Chicken, and from then on, I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of,” said Alba, who has been a regular at the brand’s original location just off The Strip. “When you think of Shaquille O’Neal, you think big, bold, and fun, and each menu item truly reflects those qualities. Both the local community and thrill-seeking visitors in Las Vegas are vibrant and passionate, and after meeting with the excellent leadership team I’m confident Big Chicken will meet that energy.”

Currently a multi-unit owner of four Firehouse Subs locations in Las Vegas, Alba has amassed over 25 years of restaurant operations experience with the past eight being in franchise ownership. As a Las Vegas resident, Alba will utilize his knowledge of ownership and operations to expand Big Chicken’s success to serve both Las Vegas and Henderson with the support of a strong management team.

“As Big Chicken’s home market, Las Vegas holds a special place for us and our fans, so we had to find someone to grow with who not only has the right experience, but shares our passion for the brand,” said Big Chicken CEO Josh Halpern. “Vinnie meets our criteria and then some, and we’re thrilled to have him as a franchisee on our team, helping to continue our expansion in Las Vegas.”

Big Chicken currently has an existing location open in Las Vegas along with restaurants in Los Angeles, Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena, metro-New York’s UBS Arena, The Moody Center in Austin and on two Carnival Cruise ships. 

Along with O’Neal, the championship pedigree behind Big Chicken includes a pair of powerful ownership group partners, including:

• Authentic Brands (ABG), a brand development, marketing and entertainment company, which owns a portfolio of iconic and world-renowned brands including Sports Illustrated, Elvis Presley and Reebok.
• JRS Hospitality, Las Vegas’ leading events and catering company with a reputation for hosting top tier parties, private dining and corporate gatherings at its iconic venues such as Cabo Wabo, Hexx, and Beer Park.

SOURCE Big Chicken