As Big Chicken Demand Continues to Rise, Shaquille O’Neal Brings Signature Menu to Grizzlies Territory

The Home of the Blues is going to get a nice big serving of chicken on the side. Shaquille O’Neal is bringing his hearty restaurant franchise to three new locations very soon. His partners have signed new deals to enable a rapid expansion to new locations. One city getting a new Big Chicken outlet fits right in with Big Diesel. Known for its music culture alongside basketball, locals here are eager to eat like Shaq.

Interestingly, O’Neal provoked the city’s basketball fans on more than one occasion recently. That doesn’t affect the popularity of Big Chicken though, as its menu sings before its star power.

Shaquille O’Neal leaves a Big Chicken mark in Grind City

The people behind Big Chicken are following the Memphis Grizzlies motto of “Grit and Grind” to a T. Shaquille O’Neal’s restaurant business has partnered with more hospitality groups to open new locations. Thanks to their deals, at least three Big Chicken locations will open in Greater Memphis, Tennessee and the Northern Mississippi areas.

The JRS Hospitality-led, Big Chicken has joined Concept 2 Completion Hospitality, an experienced restaurant operating group. Concept 2 will develop and operate the new stores in Memphis, home of the Blues and the Grizzlies.

This aligns with Shaq’s vision of blending his classic nostalgia-driven menu with the sports scene. He’s bringing Big Chicken outlets to sports venues like Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena, New York’s UBS Arena, Philadelphia’s Comcast Center, Austin’s Moody Center, ASU’s Mullett Arena, Palm Springs’ Acrisure Arena, and St. Louis’ Busch Stadium. Grizzlies nation is sure to enjoy the Shaq-ified chicken sandwich and macaroni with their games.

“The choice to introduce this concept to Memphis was a no-brainer, we’re thrilled to be a part of the brand’s dynamic expansion, especially given that we have strong ties in the area. Currently, our primary goal is securing premium real estate to bring BIG fun back to our roots in Southwest Tennessee,” a rep for Concept 2 Completion said.

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Shaq has a knack for surrounding himself with experts and they see their expansion plans advancing with the other restaurant group. “That’s part of the reason why we can’t wait to see them expand the brand’s presence in the Greater Memphis Metro area!” CEO Josh Halpern said.

Shaq’s making amends with Grizzlies

As an NBA analyst on TNT, O’Neal has a few strong opinions. Sometimes he’s rubbed off diehard Grizzlies fans the wrong way.

He was especially hard on Dillon Brooks before changing his tune after the FIBA World Cup. Shaq was also not very kind on Ja Morant‘s controversies too. Together with co-host Charles Barkley, he was insistent the active Grizzlies players should focus on basketball more.

The Big Aristotle is now offering the milkshake of the same name as a peace offering to Grizzlies fans.

They haven’t announced where and when in Memphis and Mississippi the new stores will open but fans are sure to put hard feelings aside to get a giant chicken sandwich at Big Chicken soon.

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