Franchising
Big Chicken coming to Ohio
April 27, 2022
Big Chicken, founded by Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal, is entering Ohio, thanks to a deal with franchisees Steve Christensen, Reid Richards and Mike Craddick to open three restaurants in the Dayton area. The first opens this summer at 10655 Innovation Dr., in Miamisburg,
"When we originally signed on to bring Big Chicken to Arizona, our ultimate goal was to expand into additional markets," Christensen said in a company press release. "We've known Mike for several years through our other restaurant investments. He's a fantastic operator and being that he's local to the area and knows the market well, we knew he would be a great partner in bringing Big Chicken to Dayton."
As former multi-unit franchisees of 15 Five Guys locations in Western New York and current franchise owners of the brunch restaurant, Another Broken Egg Cafe, in Gilbert, Arizona, Christensen and Richards, recently agreed to open 12 Big Chicken locations in the Greater Phoenix area and also have plans to expand into Utah and Idaho with the brand.
Christensen and Richards met Craddick eight years ago through his ownership of several Five Guys and Another Broken Egg locations in Ohio. With over 30 years of experience in the Dayton retail market and ongoing success owning and operating several restaurant franchises in the area, Craddick is the perfect addition to the Big Chicken team and will be an equity partner for the Arizona, Utah and Idaho Big Chicken locations as well, Big Chicken CEO Josh Halpern said in the release.
"We love having Steve and Reid as our franchise teammates in Arizona, and are so happy they introduced us to Mike," he said. "All three are committed to ensuring the guest has a great experience through strong operations. I'm excited to see what they can do together in the greater Dayton area."
Founded in 2018, Big Chicken is backed by Shaq, JRS Hospitality and Authentic Brands Group.
