Shaquille O’Neal is a man of many talents. NBA legend, TV personality, business mogul, DJ, and, of course, the mastermind behind Big Chicken, his fast-casual restaurant chain. Over the years, Shaq has built an empire beyond basketball.
He has invested in various businesses, ranging from car washes to fitness centers. But Big Chicken has been one of his proudest ventures, a brand that reflects both his love for food and his larger-than-life personality.
What started as a single location in Las Vegas quickly became a booming success, fueled by Shaquille O’Neal’s undeniable star power and a well-liked menu. However, success in the restaurant industry requires careful planning, consistent execution, and adapting to changing market conditions.
Recently, Big Chicken underwent a significant change. It was acquired by Craveworthy Brands, a restaurant group known for scaling fast-casual dining concepts. While the move signals expansion opportunities, it also brings a new challenge. According to The Advocate in a post on X, a new challenge has surfaced in Lake Charles, Louisiana, where Big Chicken’s expansion plans hit a roadblock.
The city’s Planning and Zoning Commission recently rejected the proposed Big Chicken location, citing traffic concerns and potential disruptions to nearby businesses. The commission decided after several Sarah Lane residents opposed the proposed restaurant location. One of the citizens mentioned that the restaurant at that site would become a safety issue with children walking to Prien Lake Elementary School across the street from the Nelson Road property. “You put this on our road, our subdivision is going to go down in property value, and our peace of mind with our children playing, is going to go down.”
Shaq’s Big Chicken fast-food restaurant might be blocked at proposed Lake Charles site https://t.co/roCkzuRL5y
— Acadiana Advocate (@theadvocateaca) March 14, 2025
This rejection comes at a crucial time for Big Chicken, as Craveworthy Brands is aggressively pushing for growth across the country. Whether Big Chicken can adapt to these obstacles while maintaining its signature appeal remains to be seen.
Shaquille O’ Neal’s business empire beyond basketball
With a net worth exceeding $400 million, Shaquille O’Neal has leveraged his larger-than-life persona. He’s built an expansive portfolio covering industries as diverse as food, technology, fashion, and entertainment. His approach is simple yet effective – invest in what he believes in and what he can elevate with his brand.
One of Shaq’s most well-known ventures is Big Chicken. But his franchise investments don’t stop there. He owns numerous Papa John’s locations and previously served as a board member for the pizza giant. His love for technology drove him to invest early in Ring. It’s the same smart doorbell company that Amazon later acquired for a whopping $1 billion.
May 22, 2022; Dallas, Texas, USA; Former NBA player and sports analyst Shaquille O’Neal enters the arena before game three of the 2022 western conference finals between the Dallas Mavericks and the Golden State Warriors at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
In fashion, Shaq has disrupted the industry with his affordable sneaker line at Walmart. A stark contrast to the high-priced signature shoes dominating the market. His involvement in Reebok, now under Shaq’s leadership, continues his mission of making quality sneakers accessible to all.
Beyond endorsements, he holds ownership stakes in companies like Google, Forever 21, and Elvis Presley Enterprises. Shaq isn’t just a retired athlete dabbling in business, he is a strategic investor with an eye for longevity. Whether it’s franchising, branding, or innovation, Shaq proves that a dominant career can extend far beyond the court.
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