Franchising

Firehouse Subs franchisee bringing Big Chicken to Texas, Oklahoma

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March 18, 2022

Firehouse Subs franchisee Coby Jones has signed an agreement to open six Big Chickens across West Texas and Central Oklahoma. Founded by basketball Hall of Famer and entrepreneur Shaquille O'Neal, Big Chicken recently announced upcoming franchise expansion into the Chicagoland, Metro Phoenix and Greater Los Angeles markets.

"I've worked in restaurants for nearly my entire life, and Big Chicken is unmatched in its category," Jones said in a company press release. "The way the concept has been developed from operations and innovation standpoints is truly amazing. The brand story, the leadership team and the menu are all clear differentiators. I am blown away. Plus, to be in the same business family as Shaquille O'Neal means we instantly have fantastic credibility given his entrepreneurial successes."

As one of the top franchisees in the Firehouse Subs system, Jones' restaurant career began in 1989 when he worked at a local restaurant group in Lubbock. After graduating from Texas Tech University, he moved to Atlanta and began working at Buckhead Life Restaurant Group as a beverage manager. From there, he spent time in the fine-dining sector, working as a fine wines sales associate and state manager for brands like Fosters Wine Estates. Jones opened his first Firehouse Subs franchise in 2012 and has since expanded to nine locations across West Texas and Oklahoma. He plans to leverage his experience in the industry and as a business owner as he expands Big Chicken in the Sooner and Lone Star States.

"Coby has quickly become one of my favorite people in the restaurant and franchise industries. When we met with him, we were immediately impressed with his experience, industry know-how, and his desire to partner with us to make our company as strong as possible." Big Chicken CEO Josh Halpern said in the release. "As we continue our targeted expansion across the country, Coby is exactly the kind of entrepreneur we're looking to grow with. We look forward to supporting him as he introduces Big Chicken to West Texas and Oklahoma."

Founded in 2018, Big Chicken has locations in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Seattle's Climate Pledge Arena, metro-New York's UBS Arena and on two Carnival Cruise ships.