Big Chicken Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

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.

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

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure Amount ($)
Initial Franchise Fee 40,000 – 40,000
Rent and Lease Security Deposit 0 – 60,000
Building and Health Permits 5,000 – 35,000
Architect & Design 25,000 – 60,000
Other Professional Services 5,000 – 15,000
Travel and Initial Training 2,500 – 20,000
Building, Construction, and Leasehold Improvements 300,000 – 650,000
Equipment 180,000 – 350,000
Smallwares and Supplies 20,500 – 25,000
Interior and Exterior Signage, Menu Boards, and Graphics 27,000 – 55,000
Computer, POS, & Audio/Video Equipment 25,000 – 40,000
Opening Inventory 15,000 – 50,000
Grand Opening Expenses 10,000 – 10,000
Insurance 1,500 – 3,500
Beer, Wine, and/or Liquor License 0 – 12,000
Additional Funds (3 Months) 25,000 – 100,000
Total 681,500 – 1,525,500
Type of Expenditure Amount ($)
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 – 55,000
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 – 1,525,500

Franchise Disclosure Document

Competitors

Below are some of

Big Chicken

key competitors in the

Chicken

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
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Gross Profit
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EBITDA
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22

New
+
633%
633%

$40,000

$682,000

$1,536,000

n.a.

$0

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

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Training

Big Chicken provides several structured training programs for its franchisees, which are detailed below:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Certified Manager Training Program
    This intensive 15-day program, available for new management-level employees, is essential for preparing Certified Managers and Lead Managers.
  4. Continuing Training
    Periodic educational programs are offered post-opening to reinforce operational standards, introduce new products, and enhance guest service skills.
  5. Refresher Training and Special Programs
    These are tailored to address updates in the system, new services, or changes in vendor relationships.

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.

Furthermore, the rights granted do not guarantee superior access to customers or specific business success, emphasizing the need for franchisees to build and sustain their market presence independently.

Competitors

Chuck's Hot Chicken

Chuck's Hot Chicken is a quick-service restaurant franchise specializing in Nashville-style hot chicken. It offers a menu centered around spicy fried chicken, catering to customers seeking bold flavors.

Franchisees

?

2
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$478,000 - $834,000

Angry Chickz

Angry Chickz is a quick-service restaurant franchise specializing in Nashville hot chicken sandwiches and tenders, known for its bold flavors and spice levels.

Franchisees

?

1
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$603,000 - $1,323,000

WOW American Eats

WOW American Eats is a fast-casual restaurant franchise offering classic American comfort food, including burgers, wings, and hearty sides.

Franchisees

?

38
+
-19%
-19%
Investment

?

$192,000 - $795,000

HCK Hot Chicken

HCK Hot Chicken is a fast-casual restaurant franchise specializing in Nashville-style hot chicken, offering bold flavors and customizable heat levels for spice lovers.

Franchisees

?

5
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$206,000 - $688,000

East Coast Wings + Grill

East Coast Wings + Grill serves a variety of flavorful chicken wings, burgers, and other American fare, offering a casual dining experience with a focus on quality and taste.

Franchisees

?

30
+
-3%
-3%
Investment

?

$408,000 - $1,233,000

Brown's Chicken

Brown's Chicken serves fried chicken and a variety of homestyle sides, offering a flavorful and satisfying dining experience with a focus on quality ingredients.

Franchisees

?

21
+
0%
0%
Investment

?

$358,000 - $2,699,000