Big Chicken Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

All you need to know about this franchise in a snapshot

Initial franchise fee

$40,000

Investment required

$682,000 - $1,526,000

Royalty fee

6.00%

Big Chicken: Elevating Fast-Casual Dining with Bold Flavors

Big Chicken, a fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in chicken sandwiches, tenders, and shakes, was founded in October 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The brand was established by NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal, in partnership with JRS Hospitality and Authentic Brands Group. Big Chicken's headquarters are located in Las Vegas.

The franchise began its expansion in August 2021, launching a strategic franchising program aimed at partnering with skilled restaurant owner/operator groups. This initiative has led to the development of over 150 locations in its franchise pipeline, with restaurants operating in various U.S. cities and on Carnival Cruise ships.

Big Chicken differentiates itself by offering a menu that fuses O'Neal's home-cooked childhood favorites with bold flavors, uniquely crafted by accomplished Las Vegas chef Matt Silverman.

The menu features items named after important figures in O'Neal's life, such as the "Uncle Jerome" sandwich, adding a personal touch to the dining experience. This distinctive approach, combined with the star power of Shaquille O'Neal, sets Big Chicken apart in the competitive fast-casual dining market.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure	Amount ($)
Initial Franchise Fee	40,000 – 40,000
Rent and Lease Security Deposit	0 – 60,000
Building and Health Permits	5,000 – 35,000
Architect & Design	25,000 – 60,000
Other Professional Services	5,000 – 15,000
Travel and Initial Training	2,500 – 20,000
Building, Construction, and Leasehold Improvements	300,000 – 650,000
Equipment	180,000 – 350,000
Smallwares and Supplies	20,500 – 25,000
Interior and Exterior Signage, Menu Boards, and Graphics	27,000 – 55,000
Computer, POS, & Audio/Video Equipment	25,000 – 40,000
Opening Inventory	15,000 – 50,000
Grand Opening Expenses	10,000 – 10,000
Insurance	1,500 – 3,500
Beer, Wine, and/or Liquor License	0 – 12,000
Additional Funds (3 Months)	25,000 – 100,000
Total	681,500 – 1,525,500

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Number of units

2024

Franchised units

Company-owned units

Total units

Franchise Disclosure Document

Training

Big Chicken provides several structured training programs for its franchisees, which are detailed below:

Initial Training Program
This comprehensive program includes multiple modules aimed at preparing franchisees for operational success. Key aspects include Certified Manager Training and Owner Orientation, provided for the first restaurant without additional fees beyond the initial franchise fee.
New Restaurant Opening Module
This three-week program is conducted around the opening date of a restaurant, focusing on operational readiness and grand opening support.
Certified Manager Training Program
This intensive 15-day program, available for new management-level employees, is essential for preparing Certified Managers and Lead Managers.
Continuing Training
Periodic educational programs are offered post-opening to reinforce operational standards, introduce new products, and enhance guest service skills.
Refresher Training and Special Programs
These are tailored to address updates in the system, new services, or changes in vendor relationships.
Training Store Certification
Franchisees can apply for their restaurants to become certified training stores after 12 months of operation, provided they meet specific qualifications.
Annual Meetings
These sessions focus on updates such as new recipes, menu offerings, supplier changes, and marketing strategies, serving as a platform for ongoing education and collaboration.

Each program emphasizes a mix of operational, managerial, and guest service skills, ensuring alignment with Big Chicken's standards. Franchisees are responsible for covering personal expenses like travel, lodging, and salaries for participants.

Territory Protection

Big Chicken offers limited territorial protection to its franchisees through designated "Protected Areas" or "Development Territories." Within these boundaries, the franchisor agrees not to open or license others to open a competing Big Chicken restaurant.

However, this protection excludes certain scenarios, such as non-traditional venues, and does not guarantee exclusivity over all forms of competition.

Franchisees should note that territorial designations do not prevent the franchisor or its affiliates from engaging in activities like marketing or establishing other types of operations within the region.

Furthermore, the rights granted do not guarantee superior access to customers or specific business success, emphasizing the need for franchisees to build and sustain their market presence independently.