13 August 2024
Nik Rajkovic / [email protected]
The long-awaited Big Chicken restaurant has opened in Hartland. The chicken franchise is under the patronage of NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal.
WHMI’s Morning Drive with Chuck and Madison were live on site Tuesday and spoke with the franchisee and others.
“It’s very close to the highway. I think Hartland is a growth area and we will be successful here,” said franchisee Hafaid Gobah.
“It’s very close to my house. I live 20 minutes away.”
Tony Scott set up camp at 8pm on Monday.
“I want the good taste and I want the big chicken. And I want to meet Shaq. This was an opportunity I had to take.”
There is no sign of Shaquille O’Neal yet, but Gobah says the basketball star usually visits each location at least once.
Senior VP of Franchise Leadership Samuel Stanovich was not surprised to see a line forming around the corner ahead of Tuesday’s grand opening.
“The brand is all about great food, great taste and great fun. And when you have a big boss named Shaquille, it makes it even more attractive,” he says.
“We are very excited to be in Michigan with our franchise group HD Development with our second store. Hartland, the neighborhood is buzzing and we’re just excited to open and feed some great local folks.”