Big Chicken, a fast-casual chain co-founded by NBA legend and Newark native Shaquille O’Neal, will make its New Jersey debut.

Located at Bridgewater Commons in Bridgewater, the restaurant is scheduled to open by mid-June. It is the first of six units entrepreneurs Chad Patel and Aditya Patel are developing.

The pair – who is not related – are looking at additional sites in Middlesex, Mercer, Somerset and Union counties to open the five other units.

Commenting on the upcoming restaurant, Aditya Patel said, “Chad and I spent several months searching for a location worthy of making a big first impression for Big Chicken in the heart of the state where Shaquille grew up.”

“We were drawn to the brand because of the incredible variety of sandwiches that make up our menu, and we know that Bridgewater Commons will love the brand’s big flavor just as much as we do,” Patel said.

O’Neal’s childhood favorite foods inspired the six-year-old brand. Its menu includes: chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, Cheez-It cracker-crusted macaroni & cheese, jalapeno slaw, and dirty fries with cheese sauce and bacon.

Big Chicken also serves frozen treats like sundaes and shakes.

Currently, Big Chicken has 18 restaurants open across 16 states. The brand is also found on four Carnival Cruise ships, in the Kansas City International Airport, at sports venues such as UBS Arena on Long Island, N.Y., and business hubs like Philadelphia’s Comcast Center.

Spreading its wings

The concept’s partners include multinational, multibillion dollar brand development company Authentic Brands and Las Vegas-based ownership group JRS Hospitality. Big Chicken also has its sights set on franchise growth, with 350-plus development deals in the pipeline across the country.

Big Chicken Chief Executive Officer Josh Halpern expressed excitement over the upcoming launch.

“Bridgewater Commons is just a short drive away from my house, which is how I know that Chad and Adi chose the perfect location for their first Big Chicken restaurant in New Jersey,” he stated. “It’s crazy to think that in less than three years of franchising, we’re now developing a location in my own backyard. My family and I are counting down the days until the opening and look forward to being there to support this incredible team!”

At Bridgewater Commons, Big Chicken joins a dining scene that includes Shake Shack, Chipotle Mexican Grill, California Pizza Kitchen, Qdoba Mexican Eats, The Cheesecake Factory, Maggiano’s and Redstone American Grill.

Other upcoming openings at the property include Brazilian restaurant chain Fogo de Chão and wholesome and healthy fast casual brand honeygrow.

Earlier this year, fast-casual chicken tender concept Sticky’s Finger Joint closed its restaurant in Bridgewater, which was located in The Village at Bridgewater Commons. The move came a few months before the chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as part of an effort to turnaround its business.