Shaquille O’Neal-Owned Big Chicken Expands Texas Presence with Washington Heights Location

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Shaquille O’Neal-Owned Chicken Brand Signs Newest Lease in Southeast Texas

August 22, 2023 // Franchising.com // WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, Tx. – Big Chicken, the chicken concept founded by legendary basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal, announced today the signed lease of its newest location in Washington Heights, Texas.

Washington Heights will be Big Chicken’s fourth location in the state of Texas, following the brand’s opening in Houston and upcoming locations in Richmond and Lubbock. The Washington Heights location will be the second of 50 units that local entrepreneurs, Noordin Jhaver, Fazil Malik and Frank Malik, plan to bring to the area. Big Chicken in Washington Heights is expected to open in early 2024 at 107 Yale Street, Suite 100.

“Coming off our successful grand opening celebration in Houston this past month, we’re thrilled to be able to fill the growing demand for Big Chicken’s BIG food, BIG flavor and BIG fun with our next location in the up and coming Greater Heights neighborhood,” said Frank. “Washington Heights, get ready for the BIG flavor and BIG fun that is coming to the community. Big Chicken is the perfect brand for the booming area, and we are excited to share it with our community.”

The Maliks and Jhaver have known each other since their first roles in the convenience and restaurant industries, more than 30 years ago. Fazil first launched Northwest Petroleum (NWP) in 1991 and has significantly grown the company’s portfolio to operate convenience store/gas station locations within the Shell, Phillips 66 and 7-Eleven brands. He also has franchise investments in the Burger King and Denny’s restaurant families. Frank’s impact on NWP has been formative with oversight of all development and construction design for the company. Jhaver started his entrepreneurial career in the convenience store and truck stop industry in 1986, and began his restaurant ownership and operations in 2002.

“Frank, Fazil and Noordin’s dedication to expanding our brand’s reach in Houston has made an invaluable impact on our franchise network,” said Josh Halpern, CEO of Big Chicken. “We are excited to grow in the BIG state of Texas and are happy to celebrate the signed lease in Washington Heights, and based on the successful opening on Westheimer Road, we know they will continue to make a BIG impact in Southeast Texas.”

SOURCE Big Chicken

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