Little fans are central to Big Chicken. Shaquille O’Neal has always gone the extra mile for kids. The 7’1″ gentle giant began his fast-casual dining business with his own childhood recipes to bring a smile on people’s faces. Just serving delicious food and happy vibes is not enough for Big Diesel. He’s going bigger, helping young students through Big Chicken in innovative ways.

The CEO, Josh Halpern was glad to bring up Shaq’s initiatives to empower kids on ES Fancast. The Shaq-funded company has major plans in the works, including some literally out of the world ideas.

Shaquille O’Neal aids kids through Big Chicken

Big Chicken originated out of Shaquille O’Neal and his mom, Lucille’s dream to make people happy. Nostalgia-driven recipes are not the only way his rapidly expanding restaurant empire is spreading happiness. CEO Josh Halpern revealed that Big Chicken is taking every opportunity to run as a socially responsible business.

Currently, Big Chicken largely uses paper and recyclable material in all its locations. They use high-quality ingredients including preservative and antibiotic-free and humanely-raised chicken.

“As we grow, social responsibility is going to be really key to what we do,” Halpern said on ES Fancast. “We’re evaluating it from a couple of different angles that will come out over the next three to four months and we’ll make sure that you guys are aware as we do it.”

Big Chicken and JRS Hospitality are not only developing 300+ locations across the nation, but also initiating additional social responsibility programs. That isn’t to say Shaq’s company hasn’t taken the first steps already.

Dubbed a “Big kid” by himself and his mom, Shaq is one with his pint-sized fans. “Shaquille’s really about kids,” as Halpern would say, listing his long association with the Boys and Girls Club and The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation.

WATCH THIS STORY | “Didn’t Say You Can Talk”: After Threatening His “Girlfriend’s” Replacement, Shaquille O’Neal Publicly Troubles One Fan for 1 Annoying Reason

Shaq also recently hosted the third annual fundraiser, The Event, to support his foundation’s work with kids. He’s also an outspoken education advocate. He’s combined these beliefs into Big Chicken’s newest social responsibility campaign too.

Big Chicken has multiple sustainable initiatives followed at all its current locations. One of them is a partnership with Jeff Bezos’ company, a business titan Shaq has long admired.

Shaq’s plans to go to space

According to Halpern, “We’re looking at initiatives in how can we promote STEM education.” 

They want to encourage math, science, engineering, and STEM subjects in their restaurants among their high school and elementary school customers. They already made the first stride in that vision.

Big Chicken has collaborated with Blue Origin’s nonprofit, Club for the Future. The company encourages future generations to pursue STEM careers and fulfill mankind’s future in space.

Under this collaboration, kids could write Postcards to Space at Big Chicken locations and receive free desserts. These postcards will return to the little writers after a trip to space on Blue Origin’s next mission. This fits right into the Big Diesel persona.

“How do we serve youth  resonates with me, it resonates with Big Chicken, and it resonates with Shaquille,” said Halpern. By their plan, some of these genius kids will make Big Chicken a staple meal in space in the future. What do you think about Shaq’s Big Chicken goals?

READ MORE: Allen Iverson and Shaquille O’Neal Send Shockwaves Through NBA World: What Is Their Role and Goals?