Franchising

Big Chicken hitting New Jersey

Provided by Big Chicken

June 27, 2023

Big Chicken, founded by Hall of Famer and New Jersey native, Shaquille O'Neal, is opening six locations in New Jersey, thanks to a deal with franchisees Chad and Aditya Patel.

"Aditya and I are thrilled to be working with the team at Big Chicken," Chad Patel said in a company press release. "The whole team has been incredibly welcoming and supportive throughout the whole process. We both love the variety that Big Chicken offers and how innovative the menu is. In the current 'chicken sandwich war,' Big Chicken is a great contender — not just because of Shaquille, but because they know what they're doing from the operations, all the way to food and customer service."

Chad Patel spent many years running both quick-service franchise locations, as well as traditional restaurants, and Aditya Patel has a similar background working with many multi-unit QSR franchises, and in addition, was also co-owner of a hospitality business.

"Chad and Aditya are fantastic people to partner with," Josh Halpern, CEO of Big Chicken, said in the release. "With their experience, they're the perfect pair to bring the brand to New Jersey and have BIG plans to do so. As a New Jersey resident myself, I am excited for them to open their first store so I can bring my kids and their friends to experience the BIG Flavor and BIG Fun of our BIG Food."

The franchise agreement in the Middlesex County area will add to the 250-plus locations in development nationwide for the brand.