Local Restaurant Operators Plan Grand Opening for Big Chicken in Hartland Township

H&D Group Investments to Open Second Michigan Location of Shaquille O’Neal-Owned Restaurant in 20-Unit Development Deal

HARTLAND TOWNSHIP, Mich. – When a Hall of Fame basketball star’s passion for savory chicken sandwiches, delicious ice cream shakes and childhood favorite dishes like Cheez-It® crusted mac and cheese ignites, a bold and legendary chicken concept is born. In collaboration with local restaurant ownership group H&D Group Investments, BIG Flavor and BIG Fun are on their way to Livingston County.

On August 13, Big Chicken is set to open its second Michigan location in Hartland Township with a celebration that lives up to its mantra at 10490 Highland Road, located next to Knockouts Haircuts & Grooming on the south side of M-59 and east of US Highway 23. The first 34 fans in line, paying homage to O’Neal’s iconic jersey number that was retired in 2012, will be able to embrace the spirit of eating life to the fullest by scoring free Big Chicken food and drinks for a year.* 

“Living in Grand Blanc and operating restaurants in the area, I know the community well, and I’m confident that Big Chicken will become a beloved new spot for everyone to enjoy. My team and I are excited to get involved and give back to the community through partnerships with local organizations and youth athletic teams,” said a representative from H&D Group Investments, who has owned and operated Leo’s Coney Island across the region for more than 13 years. “Big Chicken is all about great food and good times, whether you’re dining in, grabbing takeout or catering a special event. We can’t wait to bring this experience to our friends and neighbors in Hartland.”

Part of a 20-unit development agreement to open locations across Metro Detroit, Ann Arbor, Lansing, Flint, Saginaw and Mount Pleasant, H&D Group Investments opened Michigan’s first Big Chicken restaurant in Clio this past February. The Clio location has quickly become a local favorite, and the team plans to open more locations nearby as they continue to grow Big Chicken in Eastern Michigan.

“I was thrilled when I heard that H&D Group Investments was bringing Big Chicken to Hartland,” said Josh Halpern, CEO of Big Chicken. “Having worked for several years in Ann Arbor, this is another area that is near and dear to my heart. Knowing we have an incredible partnership with H&D Group Investments makes it even more exciting to introduce Shaquille’s family business to the market. I know with the team’s ties to the area, Big Chicken will quickly become a part of the local fabric.”

Remarkably, in less than three years of franchising the brand, Big Chicken has more than 40 locations open in traditional and non-traditional restaurant settings, and over 350 locations sold. Big Chicken fuses O’Neal’s home-cooked childhood favorites with today’s trending flavors. Offerings at the Hartland Township location will include The Original Big Chicken sandwich, Uncle Jerome’s Nashville Hot (Nashville Hot Chicken, lettuce, mayo and pickles), and the Ultimate (mac & cheese, crispy fried onions and roasted garlic BBQ aioli), along with the crispy crinkle-cut fries and delicious ice cream milkshakes.

To learn more about Big Flavor. Big Fun. in Michigan and beyond, visit www.bigchicken.com. 

*limited to $10 a week