Shaquille O'Neal-founded Big Chicken begins Central America expansion
A fast-casual fried chicken chain backed by a basketball legend has made its international debut.
Big Chicken, founded by NBA icon and entrepreneur Shaquille O’Neal, has opened two new restaurants in Honduras, marking the first stores for the chain outside of North America. Big Chicken says the new stores are the first of “a few” planned for Central America, with future expansion being eyed in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala and Panama.
The new stores, found in San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba, represent two of Honduras’ most “dynamic” destinations, according to Big Chicken. As the country’s industrial and commercial capital, San Pedro Sula is known for its thriving business community, while La Ceiba is a major coastal port and tourism gateway on the Caribbean Sea.
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“Taking Big Chicken into Central America is a big moment for our brand, and Honduras is the perfect place to kick off that journey,” said Josh Halpern, CEO of Big Chicken. “We didn’t just simply open two new restaurants; we brought our larger-than-life personality to a completely new part of the world.”
The development of Big Chicken in Honduras is led by multi-unit franchisee and entrepreneur Thomas Talarico, CEO and partner of BLT UK Holdings Limited.
“The most important part of launching a winning brand in a new country is partnering with an all-star team to create a solid infrastructure that supports long-term success from the moment we open our doors,” said Talarico. “Big Chicken has a bold brand that translates across borders, and opening our first locations in San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba gives us the perfect play to create big fun and big smiles before expanding into additional markets in Central America.”
Founded in 2018, Big Chicken operates more than 40 locations across North America, and is backed by multiple franchise partners including Craveworthy Brands, JRS Hospitality and Authentic Brands Group. The chain’s menu includes chicken sandwiches, salads, sides, desserts and more.
