Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken restaurant chain has been expanding over the last few years, and it shows no signs of slowing down.
As Franchise Times reported, Big Chicken and H&D Group Investments are partnering to bring 20 franchise locations to several Michigan cities, including Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Lansing.
“Aside from its star-powered backing from Shaquille O’Neal, Big Chicken has a ‘wow’ factor that is rare to come by. I’ve had the privilege of trying a variety of menu offerings at different Big Chicken locations, and both the quality and flavor have been exceptional each time,” said an H&D Group Investments spokesperson. “It was an easy decision to bring the concept to Michigan, and we’re excited to be a part of the brand.”
Afrotech reports that the Michigan expansion follows similar expansions in Texas (where the franchise bloomed), California, Nevada, and Washington, among other markets.
O’Neal brought several franchise locations to the Houston area beginning in June 2023. The grand opening of his first Houston area store located on Westheimer Blvd was so big the fire marshal had to shut it down.
“This is my creation—excuse me, this is my mama’s creation,” O’Neal told the Houston Press. “Coming where we come from, me and this little guy had to eat chicken a lot.”
Shaq laughed and motioned toward his almost seven-foot-tall brother.
“Chicken sandwiches, chicken tacos, chicken everything,” he added. “When the opportunity came to create this franchise, we had a meeting and sold over 250. This is the first to open in Houston. I just wanted people to come out, so I’m paying for everything today. Try it. If you like it, cool. If you don’t let me know why because we want to make this one of the best restaurants out here.”
RELATED CONTENT: Shaq Supporters Ball So Hard For His Big Chicken Grand Opening, City Officials Had To Shut It Down