Franchising

Big Chicken joins Craveworthy Brands

Photo: Big Chicken

March 4, 2025

Craveworthy Brands will become a managing partner, investor and stakeholder of Big Chicken, founded by Hall of Fame basketball player, Shaquille O'Neal, according to a company press release.

Big Chicken will join Craveworthy's portfolio of 15 brands that operate in various culinary segments including chicken, contributing to the collective growth of its family of brands. In collaboration with O'Neal, JRS and ABG, Craveworthy will manage and provide expertise across key functions such as operations, training, supply chain management, culinary development and customer service, while the Brand retains its core identity.

"This one-of-a-kind opportunity truly embodies the mission behind why I founded Craveworthy — to build a full-stack platform that aligns with top brands like Big Chicken and infuses broad-reaching support through proven systems and support to thrive in the evolving restaurant industry," Gregg Majewski, CEO of Craveworthy Brands, said in the release.

With over 40 locations open and 350 in development, Big Chicken was founded in 2018.

"I'm excited to team up with Gregg and the Craveworthy team. It's a marriage of two big time talented organizations," Josh Halpern, Big Chicken CEO, said in the press release. "Gregg and I have a strong professional relationship and he's the type of leader we'll match with well. I feel fantastic about our future."

Everstar serves as a strategic adviser to Craveworthy and has invested through Everstar Funds in both Craveworthy and the newly formed partnership with Big Chicken. Everstar is the manager for a private investment fund and offers actively managed portfolios for institutions and high-net-worth clients.

Entrepreneur and Super Bowl Champion Ndamukong Suh is an investor in the partnership with Big Chicken and partner in Craveworthy. Suh is a steadfast believer in the Company's vision and his commitment will help fuel its continued growth and innovation.

Founded in 2018, Big Chicken is backed by JRS Hospitality and Authentic Brands Group.