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MIAMI, FLORIDA – MAY 21: Shaquille O’Neal looks on prior to a game between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat at Kaseya Center on May 21, 2023 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
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MIAMI, FLORIDA – MAY 21: Shaquille O’Neal looks on prior to a game between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat at Kaseya Center on May 21, 2023 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
The Shaq Chicken fever is taking over the country. Shaquille O’Neal’s uber-popular restaurant empire is expanding to a new location. The NBA analyst has been expanding his entrepreneurial portfolio since retiring as an athlete. One of his biggest money-making ventures is his nostalgia-fueled restaurant chain, Big Chicken Shaq. Since opening its doors, O’Neal’s business has opened in multiple locations to immense acclaim. Soon, the Mitten State residents can eat like Shaq.
Big Chicken restaurants has announced its newest location in the Midwest. It’s worth taking note this speaks of Shaquille O’Neal’s growing business exploits on top of his media engagements and music career.
Big Chicken Shaq is making its Midwest debut
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Michigan residents should prepare their stomachs. Shaquille O’Neal is bringing his fast casual chicken concept chain across multiple locations in the state. This will be Big Chicken Shaq’s big entrance into the Midwest belt.
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MCDONOUGH, GEORGIA – APRIL 07: Shaquille O’Neal speaks during Pepsi Stronger Together and CTG Foundation Atlanta Law Enforcement Press Conference on April 07, 2021 in McDonough, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Pepsi Stronger Together)
Founded by the NBA champion and several business partners, the restaurant chain will open in at least 20 locations in Michigan. The expansion comes to life through an agreement with H&D Group Investments.
The wait won’t be long either. The first of over two dozen locations is under construction at North Linden Road in Clio. Plans are underway to open more locations in metro Detroit, Ann Arbor, Lansing, Flint, Saginaw, and Mt. Pleasant.
No word on when the first restaurant will be operational so far. Several Detroit-based news outlets project they will probably be running in early 2024. When they do begin, Michigan will be part of the company’s 300+ expansion plans.
Shaquille O’Neal builds his restauranteur status rapidly
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Big Chicken Shaq was founded in 2018 by the All-Star to celebrate the food he grew up on. It combines home-style dishes with trendy flavors in one ‘Big Diesel’ serving. Since its launch, O’Neal has kept the ball running for national domination.
O’Neal is a seasoned investor in the fast-food business. He has stakes in companies like Papa John’s and Krispy Kreme and famously bought 10% of Five Guys. His experience with established chains gave him the smarts and network to grow Big Chicken.
Watch This Story | Eyes on Florida-Based NBA Team, Millionaire Shaquille O’Neal Now Linked With 3 Billion Dollar Deal
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Big Chicken is on an ambitious path to open 300 locations all over the country. Apart from 20 locations in Michigan, the O’Neal led empire forged another partnership in Texas in 2022 that’s valued at around $70 million. The restaurant group is working on opening 50 locations in the Lone Star State. Who’s excited to get their hands on a Shaq-snack?
