Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken coming to Carson City, Minden

Big Chicken, founded by basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal, has signed leases for locations in Carson City and Minden, according to a news release.

Part of a six-unit agreement, Big Chicken in Carson City and Minden are set to be the first two locations to open for restaurant owner and Carson City resident Damon Kreizenbeck. Reno, Sparks, and Lake Tahoe locations are part of the agreement, according to the release.

The first location to open will be in Carson City at the 444 E. William St., City Center. The Minden location will be at the intersection of Highway 395 and Highway 88. Both restaurants are expected to open in late 2023.

“We were fortunate to have secured two prime locations to open our first Big Chicken restaurants in Carson City and Minden. Since signing the leases, we’ve been beyond excited to share the announcement,” Kreizenbeck said in the release. “As a Northern Nevada resident for the last 33 years, I’m confident that Big Chicken will quickly become a go-to lunch and dinner spot for residents as well as for those passing through.”

Kreizenbeck joined the fast casual space in 2015 as the franchise owner of Firehouse Subs in Carson City, which he operates alongside his father-in-law, Patrick Lindsay. Before then, Kreizenbeck spent most of his professional life in the fine wine business.

Lindsay also will be involved in the Big Chicken business in addition to Kreizenbeck’s wife, Karin, and their daughters, Hanna, Lindsay and Kyda.

Another key team member will be Anthony Kingsland, who has experience in fine dining in the area and will serve as district manager at Big Chicken in Northwest Nevada.