Big Chicken Expands Massachusetts Footprint with Beverly Opening
Event summary
- Big Chicken, founded by Shaquille O'Neal, opens its second Massachusetts location in Beverly on August 22, 2026.
- The brand now has over 40 locations open and dozens more in development across North America.
- Local franchise group JBMM Hospitality is expanding after successful pop-up and permanent storefront launches in Wrentham.
- Grand opening incentives include free sandwiches for a year to the first 36 guests and signed sports gear giveaways.
The big picture
Big Chicken's expansion into Beverly represents a strategic push into Boston's North Shore, building on the brand's successful entry into Massachusetts through pop-up and permanent storefront models. The move aligns with broader trends in the fast-casual sector, where regional expansion and franchise-driven growth are key strategies for scaling. With over 40 locations already open and dozens in development, Big Chicken is positioning itself as a major player in the competitive chicken sandwich market.
What we're watching
- Market Penetration
- How Big Chicken's expansion into Beverly will affect its market share in Massachusetts.
- Franchise Performance
- Whether JBMM Hospitality can sustain growth momentum after successful initial launches.
- Menu Innovation
- The pace at which Big Chicken's limited-time 'Big Dip Energy' promotions drive customer engagement.