Big Chicken, a restaurant chain backed by NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal, has just signed a lease for its first South Florida location.
The fast-casual chicken franchise is slated to open at 5635 N.W. 87th Ave., in the Doral Place 87 shopping center, before the end of the year.
The new location is part of an agreement for 45 units across Central and South Florida for DMD Chicken, a branch of Davie-based commercial hospitality development company DMD Ventures.
“From the moment we came across Big Chicken, we knew it was a concept worth investing in. We’re thrilled with the progress that we’ve made in opening our first South Florida location in Doral,” said Fred Burgess, principal, co-founder and co-CEO of DMD Ventures. “Doral Place 87 is a bustling shopping center and prime location for the new restaurant.”
Alongside Burgess, the DMD Chicken leadership team also comprises co-CEO Jack Flechner and COO Kurt Petterle. Together, they oversee franchise locations for multiple brands, including Twin Peaks, Papa Johns and Candlewood Suites.
Big Chicken was founded in 2018 by O’Neal, who won an NBA championship with the Miami Heat in 2006. Last year, DMD Ventures announced plans to expand the brand to Florida. Locations will be between 2,200 and 2,800 square feet and hire about 30 employees.
Big Chicken currently has restaurants in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Seattle and Houston, with additional locations at several sports arenas and on three Carnival cruise ships.
Jasmine Floyd, South Florida Business Journal
