Big Chicken, the star-powered chicken concept founded by legendary basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal, announced today it has signed a franchise agreement with chiropractor Dr. Pat Khaziran and his business partner, Southern California restaurateur Andy Gitipityapon, to open a location in Valencia.

Following the Valencia opening, Khaziran and Gitipityapon plan to expand into more locations in Southern California.

The Valencia restaurant will mark the brand’s second location in the region along Interstate 5, continuing the fandom the brand established with its restaurant in Glendale.

“Dr. Pat and I both instantly fell in love with Big Chicken when we tried it for the first time,” said Gitipityapon. “The food is fresh and bursting with flavor and the team supporting the brand is incredibly strong. So, once we learned more about the franchise opportunity, we were sold. It’s sure to continue to impress in SoCal. We can’t wait to open our first location in the first half of 2022.”

Gitipityapon and Khaziran each bring unique skill sets to their Big Chicken investment. Gitipityapon’s professional skills combined with Khaziran’s make the tandem a formidable franchise ownership team. In addition to Gitipityapon’s talents, Khaziran owns and operates Sports Rehab LA (SRLA), a leading premier sports injury recovery and prevention center for elite athletes, athletic trainers and professional trainers. With locations in Encino, Glendale and Beverly Hiils, he has treated hundreds of professional athletes in the NBA, NFL, MLB, Champions, Pro Bowlers, All-Stars and future Hall of Famers.

“Andy and Dr. Pat are amazing operators that will channel the Big Chicken vibe beautifully throughout L.A. County. It’s exciting to have them aboard and building upon what we’ve started with our location in nearby Glendale,” said Josh Halpern, CEO of Big Chicken. “Big Chicken is quickly expanding in key metropolitan markets across the United States and we have no doubt in Andy and Dr. Pat’s abilities will amplify the brand’s presence in the Los Angeles market.”

Aside from the Glendale location, Big Chicken has restaurants open in Las Vegas, on the Carnival Cruise ship Mardi Gras, in Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena and at New York’s UBS Arena.

Founded in 2018, Big Chicken is a “fast-casual” restaurant concept serving crispy chicken sandwiches and tenders, Cheez-It® crusted mac n’ cheese and hand-crafted ice cream shakes.