Big Chicken, the concept founded by basketball Hall of Famer and entrepreneur, Shaquille O’Neal has announced the signing of an extensive multi-unit agreement to open six new locations across Oklahoma and West Texas. The chicken brand has signed the deal with Coby Jones, an experienced local restaurant investor with over 20 years of experience.
“I’ve worked in restaurants for nearly my entire life, and Big Chicken is unmatched in its category. The way the concept has been developed from operations and innovation standpoints is truly amazing. The brand story, the leadership team and the menu are all clear differentiators. I am blown away,” said Jones.
“Plus, to be in the same business family as Shaquille O’Neal means we instantly have fantastic credibility given his entrepreneurial successes.”
Jones began his restaurant career in 1989 after working in a local restaurant in Lubbock, Texas. He later graduated from Texas Tech University and took up the role of beverage manager at the Buckhead Life Restaurant Group. He started working as a fine wine sales associate and state manager for Fosters Wine Estates. Jones then opened his first Firehouse Subs location in 2012 in Lubbock, and has since opened nine more locations. He plans to use this experience to grow Big Chicken.
“Coby has quickly become one of my favorite people in the restaurant and franchise industries,” said Josh Halpern, CEO of Big Chicken.
“When we met with him, we were immediately impressed with his experience, industry know-how, and his desire to partner with us to make our company as strong as possible.”
