Big Chicken, the star-powered fast-casual chicken concept founded by legendary Hall of Famer and celebrated entrepreneur Shaquille O’Neal, announced today that it has signed a six-unit development agreement with experienced restaurant operator, Jason Ratlif. This industry veteran is set to be a foundational part of the ongoing economic transformation happening from Tyler and Upper East Texas to Monroe, Louisiana.
“Beyond the backing by Shaquille O’Neal, Big Chicken brings BIG flavors that are truly unique. After encountering Big Chicken on a Carnival Cruise, I knew that I needed to bring the brand to my community,” Ratlif says. “The decision to introduce this concept and the BIG fun behind everything that it does from Monroe to Tyler was easy. My partners and I are thrilled to be a part of the brand’s expansion, especially given that we have strong ties in the area. The first step in our multi-unit journey is to secure premium real estate in Eastern Monroe.”
With Ratlif’s experience managing winning teams, the locations are poised to shape Big Chicken into a focal point for local communities across their territory and become a standout representation of the brand.
“Jason is joining the Big Chicken family at a unique inflection point in our growth. He has incredible instincts for operations and has proven that he knows how to build winning teams and successful restaurants,” says CEO Josh Halpern. “It worked out perfectly that he was looking to fill the white space that we had in East Texas and Northern Louisiana. The region is on the brink of BIG things and we can’t wait to be a part of them.”
The newest franchise agreement in Louisiana and Texas will add to the 350-plus locations in development nationwide for the brand. Big Chicken currently has traditional locations open in Arizona, Arkansas, California, Illinois, Michigan, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Tennessee and Washington, as well as in non-traditional venues like metro-New York’s UBS Arena, The Comcast Center in Philadelphia, The Moody Center in Austin, ASU’s Mullett Arena, the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Palm Springs’ Acrisure Arena, St. Louis’s Busch Stadium, Kansas City International Airport, IMG Academy and on four Carnival Cruise ships.
Along with O’Neal, the championship pedigree behind Big Chicken includes a pair of powerful ownership group partners, including:
Authentic Brands (ABG), a brand development, marketing and entertainment company, which owns a portfolio of iconic and world-renowned brands including Sports Illustrated, Elvis Presley and Reebok.
JRS Hospitality, Las Vegas’ leading restaurant group with a reputation for hosting top tier parties, private dining and corporate gatherings at its iconic venues such as Cabo Wabo, Alexxa’s, and Beer Park.
The franchise investment has been designed to align with successful, multi-unit investors who want to become part of Shaquille’s dream team. Restaurant experience — whether traditional or otherwise — is preferred, but not required. With significant interest from new owners, franchise investors will have the advantage to join a brand on the cusp of worldwide expansion.
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