Franchising

Shaquille O’Neal-owned Big Chicken opens in Houston

Provided

April 5, 2023

Founded by Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal, Big Chicken has been making big moves since it first opened its doors in 2018 in Las Vegas. It's now opening this week in Houston, at 9660 Westheimer Road, marking the state's first traditional Big Chicken location. It joins the brand's pre-existing location in Austin's Moody Center.

"Since the moment we signed the agreement with Big Chicken, we couldn't wait to open our first restaurant," Fazil Malik, co-owner of the restaurant with Frank Malik and Noordin Jhaver, said in a press release. "They say everything's bigger in Texas, and Big Chicken's BIG food, BIG flavor and BIG fun are no exception. We look forward to introducing folks across the state to Shaquille's home-cooked favorites."

The Houston store is part of a 50-unit deal with the Maliks and Jhaver, who intend to bring the Big Chicken name to communities all over the Lone Star State

"We're thrilled to be partnering with Fazil, Frank and Noordin," Josh Halpern, CEO of Big Chicken, said in the release. "We knew from the get-go that these three were going to be all-star owners, and the best people to expand Big Chicken into Texas. We look forward to supporting them in their growth as they expand in major cities across the state."