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Can You Dig It, Seattle? Shaquille O’Neal-Owned Big Chicken Signs Multi-Unit Deal to Expand in the ‘Emerald City’

By: Big Chicken |  39 Shares     178 Reads

Accomplished Seattle-Area Restaurateur and Multi-Brand Operator Inks Agreement with High-Profile Fast-Casual Chicken Concept Creating BIG Momentum

October 27, 2021 // Franchising.com // SEATTLE - An established restaurant operator team in the Pacific Northwest has signed a franchise agreement with Big Chicken, the chicken concept with a championship pedigree behind it.

Big Chicken, the star-powered fast casual chicken concept founded by legendary basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal, announced today that highly-accomplished Washington restaurant operators David and Lorri Jones have signed an agreement to open multiple Big Chicken restaurants in Greater Seattle. Today’s announcement follows the brand’s Washington debut at the Climate Pledge Arena earlier this month.

“We were blown away when we first visited Big Chicken; the food was fresh, the flavors were BIG and the team behind the brand is incredibly talented,” said David, who in collaboration with his wife owns four Subways and founded their own concept, the eight-unit Blazing Onion Handcrafted Burgers. “Lorri and I have worked on all sides of restaurant development and Big Chicken is a concept that checks every box in terms of taste profile, menu innovation, marketing, operations, franchisor support and a strong real estate strategy. We’re confident Big Chicken will quickly become one of Greater Seattle’s hottest spots.”

David and Lorri hold nearly 25 years of restaurant management and business ownership experience. Before launching their own ventures, David held various managerial roles at Wendy’s, McDonald’s, Panhandler Pies and Denny’s, while Lorri worked as a controller at Red Hook Brewery, Eldec Aerospace and Philipps Warranty. The duo understands how to operate restaurants soundly. By expanding their restaurant and franchising portfolio to three brands, the Joneses are eager to attract even more hungry Washington residents and watch their concepts grow.

“The Joneses have what it takes to elevate Big Chicken’s rapid growth across the Seattle area. Their impressive backgrounds and knowledge in operating strong restaurant concepts is indicative of what they have planned for Big Chicken,” said Josh Halpern, CEO of Big Chicken and the architect of the brand’s growth strategy. “Our strategic growth strategy is one that’s on track to rapidly hit the hottest cities the United States has to offer. We’re confident that David and Lorri have what it takes to introduce Greater Seattle to a taste of Shaquille’s upbringing.”

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 Forever 21.
• 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

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