Big Chicken is a fast-casual restaurant founded by Shaquille O'Neal, offering a menu of big-flavored chicken sandwiches, tenders, and sides in a fun, family-friendly environment.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
22
+
633%
633%
Franchise fee
?
$40,000
Investment
?
$682,000 - $1,536,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$0
+
n.a.
n.a.
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Big Chicken, a fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in chicken sandwiches, tenders, and shakes, was founded in October 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The brand was established by NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal, in partnership with JRS Hospitality and Authentic Brands Group. Big Chicken's headquarters are located in Las Vegas.
The franchise began its expansion in August 2021, launching a strategic franchising program aimed at partnering with skilled restaurant owner/operator groups. This initiative has led to the development of over 150 locations in its franchise pipeline, with restaurants operating in various U.S. cities and on Carnival Cruise ships.
Big Chicken differentiates itself by offering a menu that fuses O'Neal's home-cooked childhood favorites with bold flavors, uniquely crafted by accomplished Las Vegas chef Matt Silverman.
The menu features items named after important figures in O'Neal's life, such as the "Uncle Jerome" sandwich, adding a personal touch to the dining experience. This distinctive approach, combined with the star power of Shaquille O'Neal, sets Big Chicken apart in the competitive fast-casual dining market.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a Big Chicken franchise is
$682,000 - $1,536,000.
That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise.
These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$40,000 - $40,000
Rent and Lease Security Deposit
$0 - $60,000
Building and Health Permits
$5,000 - $35,000
Architect & Design
$25,000 - $60,000
Other Professional Services
$5,000 - $15,000
Travel and Initial Training
$2,500 - $20,000
Building, Construction, and Leasehold Improvements
$300,000 - $650,000
Equipment
$180,000 - $350,000
Smallwares and Supplies
$20,500 - $25,000
Interior and Exterior Signage, Menu Boards and Graphics
$27,000 - $65,000
Computer, POS, & Audio/Video Equipment
$25,000 - $40,000
Opening Inventory
$15,000 - $50,000
Grand Opening Expenses
$10,000 - $10,000
Insurance
$1,500 - $3,500
Beer, Wine and/or Liquor License
$0 - $12,000
Additional Funds (3 Months)
$25,000 - $100,000
Total
$681,500 - $1,535,500
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Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$40,000 - $40,000
Rent and Lease Security Deposit
$0 - $60,000
Building and Health Permits
$5,000 - $35,000
Architect & Design
$25,000 - $60,000
Other Professional Services
$5,000 - $15,000
Travel and Initial Training
$2,500 - $20,000
Building, Construction, and Leasehold Improvements
$300,000 - $650,000
Equipment
$180,000 - $350,000
Smallwares and Supplies
$20,500 - $25,000
Interior and Exterior Signage, Menu Boards and Graphics
$27,000 - $65,000
Computer, POS, & Audio/Video Equipment
$25,000 - $40,000
Opening Inventory
$15,000 - $50,000
Grand Opening Expenses
$10,000 - $10,000
Insurance
$1,500 - $3,500
Beer, Wine and/or Liquor License
$0 - $12,000
Additional Funds (3 Months)
$25,000 - $100,000
Total
$681,500 - $1,535,500
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is Big Chicken's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
Big Chicken had 24 total units in 2025, of which 22 were franchised-owned and 2 company-owned.
Big Chicken provides several structured training programs for its franchisees, which are detailed below:
Initial Training Program This comprehensive program includes multiple modules aimed at preparing franchisees for operational success. Key aspects include Certified Manager Training and Owner Orientation, provided for the first restaurant without additional fees beyond the initial franchise fee.
New Restaurant Opening Module This three-week program is conducted around the opening date of a restaurant, focusing on operational readiness and grand opening support.
Certified Manager Training Program This intensive 15-day program, available for new management-level employees, is essential for preparing Certified Managers and Lead Managers.
Territory Protection
Big Chicken offers limited territorial protection to its franchisees through designated "Protected Areas" or "Development Territories." Within these boundaries, the franchisor agrees not to open or license others to open a competing Big Chicken restaurant.
However, this protection excludes certain scenarios, such as non-traditional venues, and does not guarantee exclusivity over all forms of competition.
Franchisees should note that territorial designations do not prevent the franchisor or its affiliates from engaging in activities like marketing or establishing other types of operations within the region.
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