The opinions expressed by Entrepreneur authors are their very own.
After a prolific 20-year NBA profession that included platinum-selling music and starred in box office hits, Shaquille O’Neal has parlayed his championship mentality and larger-than-life personality into his business portfolio. The basketball stars’ extensive business holdings include: Big Chickena quick chicken concept that reflects his love of daring flavors and large portions.
The brand has greater than 350 locations in development in 19 states and two countries and sails on 4 Carnival cruise ships. Big Chicken can be found in arenas, airports and stadiums.
Even after expansion, Big Chicken stays true to its family roots.
“It’s my mother’s creation,” O’Neal says of the genesis of Big Chicken. “So we brought her [Lucille O’Neal] and worked with the chefs on what the pasta should taste like and how the chicken should be breaded, and everyone was open to it.”
Lucille’s Mac N’ Cheese is currently a popular menu item, along with its namesake chicken sandwiches, chicken “Dunks,” ice cream and more.
Leading a championship team
For O’Neal, the success of the Big Chicken brand is not just about earning money; it’s about building a champion team that supports the community and provides an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
“When you’re raised by drill sergeants and discipline, you’re always going with the flow and you’re always attacking your dreams,” O’Neal says.
With the launch of Big Chicken, O’Neal took a unique approach to marketing, building a brand in society.
He leveraged the power of free promotion – and his already enormous popularity – by Shaq’s Big Chicken Show on Facebook Watch and on your social media accounts. On Instagram alone, O’Neal entertains an audience of over 35 million followers.
His philosophy is easy: you do not need a huge budget to get the word out. Using tools equivalent to free social media accounts and grassroots marketing efforts, he showed how any brand could gain visibility without breaking the bank.
“Once is enough,” he says, emphasizing how invaluable word-of-mouth marketing may be Restaurant influencers host Shawn Walchef With California BBQ Media.
O’Neal’s strategy for connecting with audiences online reflects this overall ethos. The entrepreneur uses his platforms to entertain, encourage and inform people about his latest ventures. “Sixty percent of my posts are intended to make you laugh, 30% to inspire you, and 10% to show you what I do,” he says.
This balance reflects O’Neal’s broader mission to bring light to people’s lives through food and entertainment. “I want to laugh because when you laugh, endorphins are released in your face, which helps relieve stress,” she says. “I understand that. I realize that. I want to make people laugh.”
Growing a large chicken
Having already achieved unimaginable success in his profession, O’Neal understands the importance of selflessness and teamwork. His message to potential partners is clear: When you join Big Chicken, you are not just opening a successful restaurant. You join a winning team to create something truly unique.
Although Big Chicken is relatively latest to the franchise market, it is owned by a trio of industry titans, including O’Neal, A bunch of authentic brands AND JRS Hospitality.
“I’m not going to become a trillionaire,” says O’Neal, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and development. “I hope people want to grow with us. They want to help us win championships because there is no other concept.”
ABOUT Restaurant influencers
Restaurant influencers is brought to you by Toast, a powerful point of sale and restaurant management system that helps restaurants streamline operations, increase sales and deliver better guest experiences.
Toast – fuels successful restaurants. Find out more about Toast.
Restaurant influencers is also supported by Walmart Company. Learn more about how you possibly can conveniently access every part you wish for your online business with Walmart Business. It’s the Walmart you’re keen on, now for your online business.