Shaquille O’Neal Owned Big Chicken Announces Plans to Expand to West Texas and Oklahoma

By: Big Chicken | 145 Shares 421 Reads

March 17, 2022 // Franchising.com // LUBBOCK, Texas - Big Chicken, the star-powered fast casual chicken concept founded by basketball Hall of Famer and celebrated entrepreneur Shaquille O’Neal, announced today that Coby Jones, an accomplished restaurant franchise investor with over 20 years of industry experience, has signed a multi-unit agreement to open six units across West Texas and Central Oklahoma.

“I’ve worked in restaurants for nearly my entire life, and Big Chicken is unmatched in its category. The way the concept has been developed from operations and innovation standpoints is truly amazing. The brand story, the leadership team and the menu are all clear differentiators. I am blown away,” said Jones, who prior to owning and operating restaurants held executive sales positions in the high-end wine industry. “Plus, to be in the same business family as Shaquille O’Neal means we instantly have fantastic credibility given his entrepreneurial successes.”

As one of the top franchisees in the Firehouse Subs system, Jones’ restaurant career began back in 1989 when he worked at a local restaurant group in Lubbock. After graduating from Texas Tech University, Jones moved to Atlanta and began working at Buckhead Life Restaurant Group as a beverage manager. From there, he spent time in the fine dining sector, working as a fine wines sales associate and state manager for brands like Fosters Wine Estates. Jones opened his first Firehouse Subs franchise in 2012 in his home Lubbock, Texas market, and has since expanded to 9 locations across West Texas and Oklahoma. He plans to leverage his experience in the industry and as a business owner as he expands Big Chicken in the Sooner and Lone Star States.

“Coby has quickly become one of my favorite people in the restaurant and franchise industries. When we met with him, we were immediately impressed with his experience, industry know-how, and his desire to partner with us to make our company as strong as possible.” said Big Chicken CEO Josh Halpern.

SOURCE Big Chicken

###