Big Chicken
Founded in 2018 by Shaquille O’Neal, Big Chicken is a US fast-food franchise serving crispy chicken sandwiches and tenders. Following its Manchester debut, it is seeking UK franchise partners.
About Big Chicken
Big Chicken is an American fast-casual restaurant brand launched in 2018 by basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal, alongside JRS Hospitality and Authentic Brands Group. Inspired by family meals, its menu features crispy chicken sandwiches, tenders, mac and cheese, sides and milkshakes.
The brand began franchising in 2021 and expanded across the US through restaurants and venues including sports arenas and cruise ships. In March 2025, Craveworthy Brands joined as a managing partner and investor, bringing additional restaurant operating expertise.
Big Chicken made its UK debut at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena in May 2024, serving a reduced menu during events. It is now pursuing UK growth through experienced multi-unit franchise partners, with opportunities for high-street restaurants and concessions at entertainment venues. The brand has identified London and other major UK cities as potential markets, combining O’Neal’s profile with a distinctive American chicken concept.
Why franchise with Big Chicken
- Founded by NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, giving the brand a distinctive identity and broad recognition.
- Established US chicken restaurant concept, launched in 2018 and offering franchising since 2021.
- Signature menu of crispy chicken sandwiches, tenders, comforting sides and handcrafted milkshakes.
- Flexible restaurant opportunities spanning high-street sites, sports arenas and entertainment venues.
- UK debut at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena in May 2024, introducing the concept to British diners.
- Seeking experienced multi-unit operators for ambitious UK growth and potential area development rights.
Investment breakdown
| Management service fee | 5% of sales – Reported US franchise; UK terms to be confirmed. |
|---|---|
| Marketing contribution | 2% of sales – Reported US marketing contribution; UK terms to be confirmed. |
What's expected of a franchisee
Property requirements
Big Chicken considers high-visibility sites in busy high streets, city centres, shopping areas and commercial districts, alongside arenas, stadiums and leisure venues. Traditional restaurants need space for commercial kitchens, food preparation, ordering and service, with seating, takeaway or delivery facilities where appropriate. Express and venue concessions may use smaller menus. All sites require franchisor approval; UK floor areas and technical specifications remain unconfirmed.
Training and support
Big Chicken provides franchisees with established operating procedures, menu standards and brand resources, backed by experienced hospitality partners. Operators must complete the brand’s training programme and recruit, train and retain capable staff. Support draws on expertise in restaurant operations, marketing and brand development, with a structured process for multi-site partners. UK training duration, launch assistance and ongoing support arrangements should be confirmed directly.
Operational requirements
Big Chicken franchisees operate restaurants to approved recipes, branding and service standards, managing food quality, hygiene, staffing, stock, suppliers and finances. Operators must recruit and train teams capable of delivering consistent service during busy periods. Sites may offer dine-in, takeaway or delivery, while arena concessions require flexible staffing and rapid service during events. Multi-unit partners need resources to oversee several sites and meet all relevant UK regulations.
Experience required
Big Chicken seeks experienced restaurant operators and multi-unit hospitality groups to develop UK locations. Candidates should bring financial planning, staff management and customer service skills, alongside the resources to secure properties and fund operations. Experience in quick-service dining, high-volume venues or multi-site development is advantageous. Partners must uphold brand standards and support territorial growth. UK financial eligibility thresholds remain unconfirmed.
Territory availability
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