Shaquille O’Neal-owned Big Chicken is expanding in Washington with leases to open stores in Mukilteo and Shoreline, marking the second and third locations for franchisees David and Lorri Jones. The couple, who also founded Blazing Onion Handcrafted Burgers and own Subway locations, signed a five-unit deal with the chicken chain last year.
The Mukilteo location will open its doors in the spring of 2023 at 11700 Mukilteo Speedway, less than a year after the couple opened its first location in Renton. The Shoreline location will open shortly after in the summer at Shoreline Place, at 15300 Westminster Way North, bringing the total number of restaurants in Washington to five with the inclusion of the brand’s two locations at Climate Pledge Arena.
“The reception we’ve had in Renton is fantastic and is getting us even more amped-up for our openings in Mulkiteo and Shoreline,” David Jones said in a company press release. “We knew we had something special with Big Chicken and look forward to spreading our wings and bringing the concept to more communities throughout the area.”
Having spent nearly 25 years owning and operating restaurants, the Joneses have experience in both growing franchise brands and establishing a multi-unit business from the ground up. Prior to launching Blazing Onion Handcrafted Burgers, David Jones held positions at other major national restaurant brands, including Wendy’s, Subway, McDonald’s, Panhandler Pies and Denny’s. Lorri Jones earned her experience working as a controller at Red Hook Brewery, Eldec Aerospace and Philipps Warranty.
“David and Lorri have been incredible partners to work with,” Josh Halpern, CEO of Big Chicken, said in the release. “Seeing their success in Renton only affirms our trust in them and we look forward to seeing their expansion to Mukilteo and Shoreline. They are expanding quickly, we hope that our entire franchise community can (pun intended) keep up with the Joneses.”
The restaurants will add to the 200-plus locations in development nationwide for the brand.
