Franchising

Big Chicken checking out Phoenix

provided

February 9, 2022

Big Chicken, a fast casual chicken concept founded by Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal, will open 12 locations in Arizona, thanks to a partnership with Steve Christensen and Reid Richards, who are former owners of 15 Five Guys locations in Western New York and now own Another Broken Egg Cafe in Gilbert, Arizona.

"It's rare to come across an opportunity like Big Chicken, which is the total package in terms of originality and taste as well as featuring an outstanding operating model," Christensen said in a company press release. "We were immediately drawn to the brand's vibe and quality of the Big Chicken menu. It's clear to us that the possibilities are endless for this concept, especially when you consider the phenomenal leadership team behind it. We truly believe that Big Chicken will be Arizona's, and the nation's, leader in the premium fast-casual chicken restaurant category and can't wait to be a part of it."

Prior to joining forces, Christensen spent 25 years in international business development across three continents, and Richards has amassed three decades of restaurant management experience with brands such as Taco Bell and Dunkin.'

"Steve and Reid have an impressive résumé together and it's clear they bring fantastic leadership to their restaurants. I can't think of better franchise partners to introduce the brand into one of America's most attractive markets," Big Chicken CEO Josh Halpern said in the release. "With a major growth focus for Big Chicken on America's most desirable places to live, we're looking forward to debuting Shaquille's family-inspired comfort foods in Arizona."

Founded in 2018, Big Chicken has locations open in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Seattle's Climate Pledge Arena, metro-New York's UBS Arena and on two Carnival Cruise ships.