Big Chicken's World Tour: Plans Revealed for Global Franchise Expansion

By: Big Chicken | 1 Shares 431 Reads

May 01, 2024 // Franchising.com // LAS VEGAS - Legendary basketball hall of famer, iconic entertainer and celebrated entrepreneur Shaquille O’Neal is going global with Big Chicken.

Big Chicken is officially entering its global restaurant era. In fact, the brand is opening its first international location this spring in Manchester, England. Following the UK opening, the next stop will be in Canada as it works with partner Oak View Group (OVG) to enter arenas there later this year. Plus, Big Chicken has inked a multi-national franchise agreement for Central America. The group will develop locations across Honduras, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala and Panama.

“As someone who has been a part of this brand since we started franchising in late 2021, I am energized about this next phase of growth,” said Josh Halpern, CEO of Big Chicken. “ We have been meeting with international partners, and we are confident that people all over the world will soon be enjoying our brand in a BIG way.”

Last year, Big Chicken opened six restaurants in new states and 12 in Nevada, Washington, Texas and Arizona. Growth in 2023, also included the brand’s first casino location at The Queen in Baton Rouge, its first MLB stadium at Busch Stadium, and its first NBA stadium at the Footprint Center in Phoenix. So far in 2024, Big Chicken has made its debut in three new states (Florida, Tennessee and Michigan).

“Through our partnership with OVG, we have been able to create a presence in stadiums. They have been a great supporter of us on this journey,” said Halpern. “Our talented group of franchisees have believed in Shaquille’s vision for the brand, the food and in my fellow leadership team members."

SOURCE Big Chicken

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