Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken to open 20 outlets in Michigan

Basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal’s restaurant venture, Big Chicken, is set to spread its wings further with a new partnership with H&D Group Investments to launch 20 locations across Michigan.

The upcoming locations will dot key cities in the state, such as Detroit, Ann Arbor, Lansing, Flint, and Saginaw. H&D Group shared their enthusiasm with WNEM-TV, pointing out the unique selling proposition of the Big Chicken brand.

An H&D spokesperson elaborated: “Beyond Shaq’s celebrity power, Big Chicken possesses an unparalleled ‘wow’ factor. The consistently exceptional quality and taste across their menu made our Michigan venture decision straightforward.”

Prior to this, the brand’s growth trajectory in states like Texas, California, Nevada, and Washington. O’Neal’s move back to Texas in 2021 correlated with a significant business push there, climaxing in 2023 with openings in the Dallas/Fort Worth region. In a nod to local buzz, Local Profile hinted in February at potential plans for up to 56 Texas outlets, suggesting a spot in Collin County due to O’Neal’s residential purchase there.

June 2023 saw Big Chicken landing in Houston. Its inaugural outlet on Westheimer Blvd. attracted such a crowd that the fire marshal was compelled to intervene.

Expressing his gratitude, O’Neal commented to the Houston Press: “Having been a part of this community for three decades, the turnout warms my heart. Be it ten or a hundred attendees, my gratitude is unwavering.”