Franchising

Big Chicken opening in Carson City

Photo: Big Chicken

December 28, 2023

Big Chicken, founded by basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal, is opening next week in Carson City, Nevada, at 444 East William Street Center, as part of a six-unit deal with restaurant owner, Damon Kreizenbeck. It joins the existing duo of Las Vegas units.

"Our family knows that to be successful, you need good people, a good environment and most importantly, good food, and are confident that we've found that in Big Chicken," Kreizenbeck said in a company press release. "Their team was exactly the type of people that I wanted to partner with, and I'm thrilled to be able to expand the brand in our mutual home state."

Before joining Big Chicken, Kreizenbeck spent much of his professional life in the fine wine business where he owned a wine and spirit marketing company and a fine wine distributor. In 2015, he became a Firehouse Subs franchisee and opened his first location with his father-in-law, Patrick Lindsay. Kreizenbeck's father-in-law will also be involved in the Big Chicken business, as will Damon's wife, Karin, and their daughters, Hanna, Lindsay and Kyda. In addition to his family, Damon's longtime friend from college, Anthony Kingsland, will serve as COO.

"It's been great bringing Damon and his family on board. Their connections to Carson City and love for the people and culture there are inspirational," Big Chicken CEO Josh Halpern said in the release. "Outside of their ties to the community, The Kreizenbecks' industry knowledge and business skills make them the perfect partners to continue building on Big Chicken's reputation in Nevada.

Big Chicken has 350 locations in development.