Big Chicken, a fast-food chain started by famous basketball player Shaquille O'Neal, is opening its first location in Metro Detroit next year, with another one planned in Michigan.
O'Neal founded Big Chicken in 2018, and it's already in several states, but this is the first time it's coming to Michigan.
In 2024, a new facility is set to open in Clio, located in Genesee County, marking the beginning of its operations, which will later expand to Highland Charter Township. This establishment will be situated at 1050 Highland Road, conveniently near a shopping center on Enterprise Drive.
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Shaquille O'Neal's Big Chicken Expands to 20 Michigan Locations
H&D Group Investments, a restaurant management business based in Michigan, agreed with Shaquille O'Neal's Big Chicken earlier this year. Twenty new stores will be built across Michigan as part of this deal.
They will open in Ann Arbor, Lansing, Flint, Saginaw, Mount Pleasant, and several places in metro Detroit.
In a recent press release, a representative from H&D Group Investments expressed satisfaction with their achievements in acquiring prime locations for Big Chicken outlets throughout eastern Michigan.
The spokesperson highlighted the opening of their latest branch in Highland as a significant milestone, emphasizing their commitment to delivering great taste and sizable servings and an enjoyable experience to the local communities.
"Our newest location in Highland marks the next BIG step in our journey of bringing BIG flavor, BIG food, and, most importantly, BIG fun to our communities," the spokesperson noted.
Meanwhile, H&D Group Investments is actively seeking suitable locations to establish the remaining 18 outlets within the state.
Big Chicken CEO Josh Halpern expressed enthusiasm about their partnership with H&D Group Investments, describing them as a formidable team dedicated to spreading enjoyment to families in eastern Michigan. Halpern praised their deep understanding of the Big Chicken brand and eagerly anticipated the expansion of the brand's footprint in the Midwest through their efforts.
Halpern said. "They have a great understanding of what Big Chicken is all about, and we're thrilled to see how they will continue to scale the brand's presence across the Midwest. Let's grow, Highland!
NBA Star's Childhood Favorites Spotlighted on Big Chicken Menu
The fast-casual chain specializes in crispy chicken sandwiches and tenders and creative reinterpretations of NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal's beloved childhood dishes. Notable among these is "Lucille's Mac n' Cheese," which adds a Cheez-it crust to his mother's cherished recipe.
Big Chicken's diverse menu includes crispy chicken sandwiches, jalapeno slaw, an array of fries, and Lucille's Mac n' Cheese. Their offerings extend to hand-crafted ice cream shakes, jalapeno slaws, and fries.
Each menu item satisfies taste buds and provides insight into Shaquille O'Neal's life and personality, as highlighted on the restaurant's website.
Big Chicken operates 12 traditional restaurants and multiple kiosks in arenas across 15 states. Additionally, you can savor their offerings on three Carnival cruises.
O'Neal often visits Big Chicken outlets unannounced, says spokeswoman Peyton Harvey. This week, he planned a surprise Arizona visit. Visits to his Michigan locations will likewise be kept secret.
"We're not publicizing it because, in the past, it has gotten out of hand," Harvey added, citing the fire marshal's intervention in Houston after O'Neal's visit.
O'Neal surprised Michigan by giving shoes and other clothing to a thankful Goodrich kid with size 23 feet earlier this year, causing a commotion.
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