“Avid Eater” Shaquille O’Neal Gives His Mother Another Chance to Claim Credit Over 150+ Restaurant Success

Mammoth portions, delicious food, and a Los Angeles Lakers legend are coming to Tennessee very soon. Big Chicken, a venture Shaquille O’Neal began five years ago is riding the expansion train. Part of the four-time NBA champion’s diverse business portfolio, this restaurant is close to Shaq’s heart. After all, it’s a reminder of his childhood, carrying the essence of some of his own favorite foods. Each franchise can cost up to $1.4 million but that hasn’t stopped Big Diesel from spreading the chain across the country.

The fast-food restaurant is set to open up in two new locations. Let’s dive deeper into Big Chicken‘s newest stops.

Shaquille O’Neal and Big Chicken are growing into Tennesse

Describing himself as an “avid eater”, the three-time Finals MVP offers his mother’s culinary creations. Everybody wants a taste of what Big Diesel grew up munching on. The demand has slithered all the way into Tennessee. The city will now house two new locations for Big Chicken, with a vision to open more with time.

Chattanooga restaurateur Jim Richards will take charge of the operation. He plans on opening four sites, two of which he envisions being operational in November. Richards is a well-known franchise restaurant entrepreneur managing multiple Five Guys and other restaurants.

“He [Jim] and his team know exactly what Chattanooga-area residents need and are more than capable of meeting their demand for high-quality ingredients and trending flavors,” claimed the company’s CEO to Times Free Press.

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Each of the newest sites will have the capacity to seat 60 to 70 customers at once. Reportedly, the 3000 square feet locations will require 25 employees for their daily operations. For Tennesse residents, this will mean access to the fresh meals Big Chicken promises to serve using high-quality ingredients.

Big Diesel holds Big Chicken close to his heart

Shaquille O’Neal began Big Chicken in 2018 in Las Vegas, a city that celebrates food and nightlife. It is his way of paying testament to those who raised him and served him delicious meals. In particular, the 2000 NBA MVP has credited his mother’s cooking as a major inspiration for the venture.

It serves some of the delicacies Shaq grew up with. The names of some dishes are associated with his family members such as Uncle Jerome or Lucille’s Mac and Cheese. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of burgers, sides, and brain-freezing ice cream shakes.

Presently, Big Chicken has locations in six markets. Additionally, more than 250 locations are pending. Just like Shaq, the food portions are generous, and so is the success of the food joint. People have resonated with Shaq’s home-cooked childhood meals. And the people of Tennessee will soon get to enjoy the Shaq experience.

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Are you excited about Big Chicken’s newest pit stop? Let us know in the comments below.