Staffing

Big Chicken elevates Marci Rude to VP of Development

Provided

June 7, 2022

Big Chicken, a concept founded by Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal, which was just named No. 25 on Fast Casual's Top 100 Movers & Shakers list, has elevated Marci Rude to VP of Development.

"I've been lucky to work with several formidable restaurant brands over the years, and one thing I've learned is above all else, premier food and service are what drive success," Rude said in a company press release. "Big Chicken's culinary and level of service is truly unmatched in the fast casual category. Plus, it's been a pleasure to work alongside such an intelligent, passionate executive team that strives for nothing less than excellence."

With over 25 years of experience in commercial real estate management and development, Rude previously spent three years as the chief development officer for Concepts Entertainment, an Arizona-based restaurant and hospitality management company, . Her development experience also extends to Kona Grill, PetSmart, P.F. Chang's and Sonic Drive-In.

"We are growing fast and we are lucky to have a rock star like Marci working with our franchisees as they build their restaurants. She is an incredible teammate and a tremendous partner for our franchise community," Big Chicken CEO Josh Halpern said in the release. "As we approach nearly 200 units signed, we want to ensure our franchisees continue to feel that same level of personalized support they've received from the jump, and Marci will help us make sure that happens."

Since the announcement of Big Chicken's franchising initiative just under one year ago, the brand has over 150 locations in its development pipeline. Upcoming franchise expansion includes restaurants in Illinois, California, Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, Ohio, Idaho, Utah and Nevada. Big Chicken has an existing location open in Las Vegas along with restaurants in Los Angeles, Seattle's Climate Pledge Arena, metro-New York's UBS Arena, The Moody Center in Austin and on two Carnival Cruise ships.

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