Las Vegas-based Big Chicken, a restaurant chain backed by Shaquille O’Neal, has signed an agreement to expand in central and South Florida.
The fast-casual chicken franchise was founded by the basketball Hall of Famer and entrepreneur in 2018. Davie-based franchise group DMD Ventures looks to expand the brand to West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando and Tampa.
When the locations are determined, they will be between 2,200 and 2,800 square feet and hire about 30 employees.
“At the time, we weren’t looking to add another franchise brand to our portfolio, but when we came across Big Chicken and looked into the concept, it became a no-brainer,” said Fred Burgess, principal, co-CEO of DMD Ventures.
Austin Hester, along with co-CEOs Fred Burgess and Jack Flechner, operate DMD Ventures. Together, they oversee franchise locations for multiple brands including Twin Peaks, Papa Johns, and Candlewood Suites.
Big Chicken is looking for additional franchisees in the South Florida market. It costs about $650,000 to $1.6 million to open a location, including a $40,000 franchise fee and a 5% royalty fee.
In addition to the agreement with DMD Ventures, Big Chicken also plans to expand in West Texas; Central Oklahoma; Chicagoland, Arizona; Nashville, Tennessee and the Greater Los Angeles markets.
Big Chicken currently has sites open in Glendale, California; on Carnival cruise ships Mardi Gras and Radiance; within the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle; and UBS Arena in New York. The chain has more locations under development.
At this time, no opening dates have been determined for South Florida.
Jasmine Floyd, South Florida Business Journal
