Big Chicken, the star-powered chicken concept founded by legendary basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal, announced the signed lease of its newest location in Killeen between Montague Village and Fort Cavazos.
Part of a three-unit deal to introduce the fast casual chicken restaurant to Central Texas, this will be the first location to open for accomplished entrepreneur Jace Mattinson. Big Chicken Killeen is expected to open in early 2024 at 2100 Clear Creek Road.
“From the moment the ink dried on our agreement with Big Chicken, we’ve been overwhelmed with excitement and anticipation around the opening of our first restaurant,” said Mattinson. “Everything’s got a Texas-sized twist here, and Big Chicken’s bold flavors, BIG portions and ability to captivate local communities are no exception. We’re thrilled to introduce residents of Killeen to Shaquille’s home-cooked favorites.”
Mattinson is a seasoned franchise operator of Crumbl Cookies in Austin. Through his ownership, he has developed the experience and expertise critical to growing his portfolio with emerging fast casual concepts like Big Chicken. In addition to his background in the restaurant and franchise industries, Mattinson has also held executive financial roles with multiple big four accounting firms, giving him crucial insight into managing the backend of his Big Chicken businesses.
“We couldn’t be happier that Jace joined us and we know that he has made a BIG impact on the growth of this brand,” said Josh Halpern, CEO of Big Chicken. “Witnessing Big Chicken’s success in Texas only further solidifies our plans to expand the brand to new markets within the state. Killeen, you’re in for a BIG treat!”
With 300-plus locations in development nationwide for the brand, Big Chicken currently has locations open in Las Vegas; Los Angeles; Seattle; Houston; Gilbert, Arizona; Rosemont, Illinois and in the Dayton, Ohio region, as well as in metro-New York’s UBS Arena, The Comcast Center in Philadelphia, The Moody Center in Austin, ASU’s Mullett Arena, Palm Springs’ Acrisure Arena, St. Louis’s Busch Stadium, Kansas City International Airport and on three Carnival Cruise ships.
