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Big Chicken

Information based on 2024 FDD
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Brand Highlights
  • Founded in 2018
  • Franchising Since 2021
  • 10 US Franchises
  • $682K - $2M Investment Range
  • N/A Average Gross Revenue
  • 6% Royalty Fee
  • $40K Franchise Fee
Brand Description
Big Chicken, founded in 2018 by NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal, is revolutionizing the fast-casual dining scene with its premium chicken sandwiches and unique flavor combinations. This emerging franchise has quickly gained recognition for delivering an exceptional dining experience that combines high-quality ingredients with bold, innovative recipes.

The menu showcases a variety of signature chicken sandwiches, including the famous 'Shaq Attack' with its spicy barbecue sauce and jalapeño slaw, and the 'Uncle Jerome' featuring Nashville-style hot chicken. Each sandwich is crafted with perfectly seasoned, crispy chicken that's consistently juicy and flavorful. Beyond sandwiches, Big Chicken offers creative sides like their distinctive thin-cut crispy fries, cheesy mac and cheese topped with Cheez-Its, and house-made milkshakes.

What sets Big Chicken apart is its commitment to quality and customer experience. The restaurants feature a modern, welcoming atmosphere with design elements that pay homage to Shaq's basketball legacy. The brand's dedication to exceptional service is evident in their friendly staff and efficient operations. Their innovative sauce bar allows customers to customize their meals with a variety of house-made sauces, ranging from mild to wildly spicy.

As a franchise opportunity, Big Chicken represents the perfect blend of celebrity brand power, proven operational systems, and a unique position in the highly competitive fast-casual market. The concept resonates with a broad customer base, from families to young professionals, making it a strong contender in both urban and suburban markets.
DID YOU KNOW?

How much does it cost to start a franchise with Big Chicken?

$682K
$2M
Did you know that launching your own Big Chicken franchise - the celebrity-backed fried chicken concept co-founded by Shaquille O'Neal that's taking the fast-casual dining world by storm - requires a total investment ranging from $681,500 to $1,525,500, which covers everything from the $40,000 franchise fee to equipment, build-out costs, and working capital needed to bring this basketball legend's crispy chicken empire to your community?
Financial Summary
Franchise Fee
$40K
Investment Range
$682K - $2M
Investment Midpoint
$1M
Minimum Cash Required
$682K
Royalty Fees
6%
Brand Fund
2%
Brand Bragging Rights
Premium fast casual market positioning with investment 68% above sector average
Emerging brand early entry advantage with only 13 units nationwide
Multi-unit development territory opportunities across 18+ states
Experienced restaurant operator focus for proven franchisees
Established 2018 with rapid expansion trajectory in competitive market
Comprehensive franchise support system for premium buildout execution
Financial Analysis
Big Chicken requires a substantial initial investment of $681,500-$1,525,500, positioning it in the premium tier of fast casual franchises within the Food & Beverage industry. This investment range significantly exceeds the sub-sector averages of $406,514-$894,151, reflecting the brand's premium positioning strategy and comprehensive buildout requirements including kitchen equipment, technology systems, and brand-compliant interior design elements.

Notably, revenue data is not currently available for Big Chicken, which may reflect the system's emerging status and limited operational history. The fast casual segment continues experiencing robust growth as consumers seek higher-quality alternatives to traditional quick-service options, with sub-sector average revenues of $696,569 among 141 franchises.

With only 13 units since 2018, Big Chicken represents an emerging franchise system still developing operational infrastructure and market presence. This limited scale presents both opportunity for early market entry and inherent risks associated with unproven unit economics and evolving operational systems.

The franchise targets experienced restaurant operators, particularly those with multi-unit development capabilities. The premium investment level requires substantial liquid capital and net worth, making it suitable for well-capitalized investors or restaurant industry veterans seeking to enter an emerging brand with growth potential in the competitive fast casual marketplace.
Expected Investment Range
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Average Gross Sales
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Financing
Financing Details

Franzy connects you with top-tier financing partners to help secure the funds to invest in a franchise like Big Chicken. Whether you're looking for a loan or exploring other financial products, our partners provide expert guidance to ensure you obtain the necessary capital. They specialize in offering solutions tailored to the needs of franchisees, making the process of securing financing smooth and straightforward.

Why Financing with Franzy Partners?

Choosing to finance through Franzy's partners ensures you get the best terms and support for your franchise investment. Our partners have extensive experience in the franchising industry and offer specialized financial solutions tailored to your needs. With competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options, you can find the right financing plan that fits your budget and goals. Our partners are committed to providing personalized guidance throughout the financing process, making it easier for you to secure the necessary funds and confidently move forward with your franchise venture.

Finance Partners
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Tenet Financial

Financing Partner

CRF USA Logo

CRF USA

Financing Partner

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First Bank of the Lake

Financing Partner

Live Oak Bank Logo

Live Oak Bank

Financing Partner

Pension Pros Logo

Pension Pros

Financing Partner

Preferred Funding Group Logo

Preferred Funding Group

Financing Partner

Guidant Financial Logo

Guidant Financial

Financing Partner

Location Analysis
Big Chicken, established in 2018, has rapidly expanded to encompass widespread coverage across multiple states, with several active units currently operating. The franchise maintains a strong customer satisfaction rating based on substantial customer feedback, demonstrating consistent performance across its network.

The franchise's geographic distribution shows particular strength in the Pacific Northwest and Midwest, with notable concentrations in Washington and Michigan representing key market areas. The brand also maintains significant presence in California and Massachusetts, while maintaining established operations in Illinois, New York, and Tennessee. This diverse geographic footprint spans from Alaska to Florida, showing the brand's ability to succeed in varied market conditions.

The franchise's expansion pattern suggests a strategic focus on both major metropolitan markets and emerging territories. Current market coverage indicates strong potential for continued growth, particularly given the brand's proven success across different regional contexts. Ideal locations typically include urban and suburban areas with high foot traffic, proximity to business districts, and demographics aligned with middle to upper-middle-income consumers. Success factors include locations with strong daytime population density, accessibility to major thoroughfares, and areas with growing young professional populations. The franchise's consistent performance across multiple regions demonstrates its adaptability and scalable business model.
Total US Locations13
Open Franchises10
Corporate Locations3
Average Sq. FootN/A
Territory Map

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Franchise Net Unit Growth
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Additional Information

Executive Team

Get to know the leadership behind Big Chicken. Learn about the experience and expertise of the executive team guiding Big Chicken's success. For more details, refer to Item 2 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Litigation

Review any legal actions or pending litigation involving Big Chicken. Understanding the legal history helps assess potential risks and the brand's business practices. For more details, refer to Item 3 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Bankruptcy

Review Big Chicken's bankruptcy history and any filings by key personnel or affiliates. This critical information provides transparency about the brand's financial stability and management. For more details, refer to Item 4 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Franchisor Assistance

Learn about Big Chicken's comprehensive support system for franchisees, including initial training programs and continuous operational assistance. Understanding the available resources and support structure is crucial for franchise success. For more details, refer to Item 11 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer

The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that is publicly available and that we have on record, which was issued in 2024. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. For the most current and detailed information, we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.

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