Interview with Josh Halpern, CEO of Big Chicken, on his “four wins a day” philosophy, Shaquille O’Neal’s authenticity, and a maniacal focus on franchisee financials.
Key Takeaways
- Four Wins a Day
- Shaquille O’Neal’s Authenticity
- A Maniacal Focus on Franchisees Unit Level Economics
On the Room for Seconds podcast with Gregg Majewski, Josh Halpern, CEO of Big Chicken, shared his strategic vision for ensuring success at every level of the franchise.
Four Wins a Day
Halpern emphasized the importance of what he calls "four wins a day" for each Big Chicken location. These wins are non-negotiable for maintaining the brand's position at the top of the industry.
He explained, "There needs to be four wins every day in every restaurant. Your guests need a win... Your franchisees need a win... Your suppliers need to win too... And we obviously need to win as a company."
This comprehensive approach highlights the balance Halpern strives for, ensuring that everyone involved in the Big Chicken ecosystem—guests, franchisees, suppliers, and the company itself—experiences daily victories.
The Authenticity of Shaquille O'Neal
Shaquille O’Neal, Big Chicken’s largest stakeholder, brings more than just his famous name to the brand; he brings an authentic and humble approach to business that resonates deeply with Halpern.
Halpern praised O’Neal’s genuine nature, stating, "I love Shaquille because he's the most authentic person you've ever met."
Despite his towering presence both physically and in the business world, O’Neal’s humility shines through, whether it's in his random FaceTime calls or the fact that his mother, Lucille, refers to Big Chicken as the "family business." Halpern’s admiration for O’Neal is evident, as he finds both humor and inspiration in working alongside such a down-to-earth partner.
Prioritizing Franchisees' Financial Health
For Josh Halpern, the success of Big Chicken's franchisees is paramount, and this “maniacal focus” extends to their unit level economics, particularly in the face of inflation. Halpern discussed his strategy of adding value rather than resorting to deep discounts, which could undermine the financial health of franchisees.
"We haven't dived into deep discounting yet," Halpern explained, "Because, again, when your sole objective is a maniacal focus on your franchisees' unit level economics, right? I can't do something that runs counter to that business objective." By prioritizing the best guest experience and a strong P&L, Halpern ensures that the business remains sustainable, avoiding the "race to the bottom" that deep discounting can cause.
Josh Halpern’s insights on *Room for Seconds* offer a glimpse into the meticulous care he takes in balancing growth, guest satisfaction, and franchisee success at Big Chicken.
Episode Links:
- Visit the Big Chicken Website
- Follow Big Chicken on Instagram
- Follow Big Chicken on TikTok
- Connect with Josh Halpern on LinkedIn
About Josh Halpern
Josh Halpern is a visionary leader focused on building both brands and people. Where others see challenges, he sees opportunities. His boundless enthusiasm and talent for scaling businesses have led to success across various industries, including Consumer-Packaged Goods (CPG), retail, and the restaurant sector. Josh is known for creating solutions that benefit all stakeholders—employees, partners, vendors, and customers alike.
Josh’s achievements are grounded in his core values and proven methodologies. He is driven by a desire to leave a lasting legacy, ensuring success with his team rather than at their expense. His approach to business, particularly in sales, is rooted in a holistic, general management perspective, all while remaining true to his authentic and unique personality. Josh prioritizes how he treats people and how he is perceived as a leader, with a deep commitment to developing the talent around him and providing others with the same opportunities he has received. Having learned from some of the industry's best, he is dedicated to paying it forward. Now, as CEO of Big Chicken and Beer Park in Las Vegas, Josh channels all his energy, passion, and experience into the nationwide expansion of these dining concepts. He is always eager to connect with individuals who share his passion for business growth, talent development, and exploring new possibilities.
About Gregg Majewski
Gregg Majewski has a vast amount of experience as a corporate executive in the restaurant industry. As the former CEO of Jimmy John’s, he played a major role in expanding the franchise from 33 to 300+ stores in just 5 years by surrounding the company’s marketing strategy around the innovative approach of delivering sandwiches and being “freaky fast”. Majewski has worked to develop restaurant concepts over the last two plus decades, before starting Craveworthy Brands in 2023, which currently includes a growing portfolio of restaurant brands.
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Room for Seconds is produced and published by Cali BBQ Media on behalf of Craveworthy Brands