An up-and-coming chicken chain is preparing to enter the Pennsylvania restaurant scene in an appropriately grand way. Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken is planning to open three new restaurants across the Keystone State, reports local media outlet 69 News.
Harsimrat, Shubreet, Samarjit and Pukhraj Sidhu have signed up to franchise Big Chicken in three strategic Pennsylvania locations. First up on the Sidhu’s family agenda is a State College eatery. The entrepreneurs also plan to develop Big Chicken’s in the Lehigh Valley and Wilkes-Barre.
Harsimrat expressed enthusiasm for the Sidhu’s new venture, stating “We are super excited to bring more BIG flavor, BIG food and BIG fun to the people of Pennsylvania.”
All three locations are in the very preliminary stages of planning. Precise locations have not been selected, however the Sidhus are currently winnowing down the options for the State College site.
Harsimrat explains that the family was immediately drawn to the franchise opportunity. “When we first learned about Big Chicken, we did not need much convincing to franchise with them. We fell in love with the Big Chicken flavor profile and the variety of menu items they offer. Big Chicken really felt like a family to us, and with our global perspective we are looking forward to learning and growing with them.”
News of the Sidhu’s Big Chicken restaurants arrives after the chain announced its first traditional location in Pennsylvania will be opening in the Poconos in late 2023. While estimated opening dates have not been announced for the Sidhu family Big Chickens, given the project’s current status it is unlikely the restaurants will open before mid-2024.
Founded by beloved basketball payer, Shaquille O’Neal, Big Chicken opened its first location in Las Vegas in 2018. The restaurant currently has 18 locations and a presence in sports arenas and cruise ships.
The menu, of course, focuses heavily on poultry. Guests can choose between traditional sandwiches, sliders, popcorn chicken, tenders, and salads. Sides include mac and cheese, sweet potato fries, loaded dirty fries, and jalapeno slaw. Visitors who still have room to indulge their sweet tooth can enjoy a shake, an ice cream sandwich, or a genuinely enormous cookie.
