Dive Brief:

• Craveworthy Brands has recently announced that it will become a managing partner, investor, and stakeholder in Big Chicken, a fast-casual chicken brand established by Shaquille O’Neal in 2018. This news was disclosed in a press release by the company. Big Chicken has garnered support from notable entities such as O’Neal himself, JRS Hospitality, and Authentic Brands Group.
• Josh Halpern, the CEO of Big Chicken, will continue to lead the brand and will collaborate closely with Craveworthy Brands’ CEO and Founder, Gregg Majewski.
• According to the companies involved, Craveworthy aims to facilitate long-term growth for Big Chicken, enhancing its unique guest experience.

Dive Insight:

Craveworthy Brands has been on an aggressive acquisition spree, rapidly expanding its portfolio of restaurants over the last few years. Prior to its investment in Big Chicken, the company made notable acquisitions including Fresh Brothers Pizza, Dirty Dough, Hot Chicken Takeover, and Taim Mediterranean Kitchen. Since its inception in 2023, Craveworthy has experienced remarkable growth, expanding from just 19 locations to nearly 200 locations in a short span of time.

Gregg Majewski, the founder of Craveworthy, articulated his vision for the company, stating, “This one-of-a-kind opportunity truly embodies the mission behind why I founded Craveworthy—to build a full-stack platform that aligns with top brands like Big Chicken and infuses broad-reaching support through proven systems and support to thrive in the evolving restaurant industry.”

In collaboration with existing investors, Craveworthy will provide management and advisory services in various critical areas, including operations, training, supply chain management, culinary development, and customer service. Importantly, Big Chicken will maintain its distinctive brand identity throughout this partnership.

The integration of Craveworthy and Big Chicken is anticipated to bolster Big Chicken’s commitment to innovation and operational efficiency. The partnership aims to leverage shared resources to enhance market positions and facilitate growth through franchising opportunities.

Currently, Big Chicken operates 40 locations, with an impressive 350 additional units in various stages of development. The menu features a diverse array of offerings, including chicken sandwiches, tenders, Lucille’s Mac N’ Cheese, shakes, and wings, catering to a wide range of tastes.

Majewski expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, saying, “We’re ready to take the next step in shaping Big Chicken’s bright future—expanding the brand’s reach, elevating the guest experience, and driving innovation on all fronts to ensure its continued resilience, success, and legacy for years to come.”