Shaquille O’Neal Leverages $135.1 Million Pullout to Stamp Big Chicken Authority in the Natural State

One person’s loss is a big one’s gain. In a sea of many national dining chains, Shaquille O’Neal is on the sure path to success. He’s planted a new flag in his Big Chicken empire very close to Razorbacks territory. Shaq’s latest venture is going to restore a formerly unused site in a thriving community. This just proves the NBA legend’s savvy business acumen to seize an opportunity where he finds it.

As with all his franchise businesses, Big Chicken fulfills Shaq’s goals to help the local community. With a similar dedication to boosting business, he’s sealed the deal for a new location.

Shaquille O’Neal adds new location to the Big Chicken map

Big Chicken Shaq has confirmed the newest location in its 300+ national expansion plan. Shaquille O’Neal’s opening his first store in Arkansas in Fayetteville, a stone’s throw away from the University of Arkansas, home of the Razorbacks. The exact store is at 2190 MLK Boulevard.

Local news outlets revealed the news in the past week. “ICYMI: Big Chicken, a fast-casual restaurant founded by NBA star Shaquille O’Neal, is bringing its first Arkansas location to Fayetteville in late November,” one outlet revealed.

According to reps from Big Chicken, this new store will be open for business by the end of November. This is sooner than other locations in development in Michigan and Massachusetts that are slated to be ready by 2024.

Fayetteville residents might recognize the location. Previously, it was reserved by Rib Crib, the national restaurant chain with revenue of over $135 million. Back in March 2023, local signage advertised this same store as the first Rib Crib location in development in Fayetteville.

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The signs, however, disappeared and in August, it was confirmed that the restaurant wouldn’t be opening there. Rib Crib stated that they are focusing on growing the franchises in their current locations and will consider Fayetteville in the near future. Big Chicken Shaq’s plans are different.

Bringing restaurant veteran, Josh Halpern, on as CEO, Shaq took his fast-casual dining concept into the franchising business. With multiple deals in different markets, over 300 locations are in development in states like Michigan, Massachusetts, Florida, and Texas. He’s also present in stadiums like Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena and St. Louis’ Busch Stadium.

Shaq’s chicken business uplifts the community

The aim of Big Chicken is to bring smiles to everyone’s faces with the help of O’Neal’s mom’s recipes. But they don’t stop at food. Like Shaq himself, Big Chicken is committed to helping kids.

The restaurant chain has collaborated with organizations like Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origins to promote STEM education among children. Some locations have special promotions for kids.

O’Neal’s aid isn’t limited to Big Chicken. After a fire in 2021 devastated his Krispy Kreme franchise in Atlanta, Shaq has restored the site in time for reopening in October 2023. The Atlanta location was situated in a historic area that had a special place in Atlanta residents’ lives.

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Fayetteville residents are going to have huge smiles in time for Thanksgiving courtesy of Shaquille O’Neal. Be sure to anticipate more from the chicken mogul soon.