Big Chicken Franchise Loan: The Complete Financing Guide for Big Chicken Franchise Owners
Backed by the larger-than-life personality and business acumen of Shaquille O'Neal, Big Chicken is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting fast-casual franchise opportunities in the nation. This guide provides a comprehensive roadmap for aspiring entrepreneurs, detailing the Big Chicken franchise cost, requirements, and the specific financing solutions available through Crestmont Capital to turn your ownership dream into a reality.Ready to Finance Your Big Chicken Franchise?
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- What is Big Chicken?
- Big Chicken Franchise Cost Breakdown
- Big Chicken Franchise Requirements
- Big Chicken Franchise vs. Other Chicken Franchises
- Why Finance Your Big Chicken Franchise?
- SBA Loans for Big Chicken Franchises
- Equipment Financing for Big Chicken
- Business Line of Credit for Big Chicken
- Fast Business Loans for Big Chicken Franchises
- How to Qualify for a Big Chicken Franchise Loan
- Documents Needed to Apply
- Crestmont Capital's Financing Options
- The Application Process
- Big Chicken Franchise FAQ
- Next Steps to Get Funded
What is Big Chicken?
Big Chicken is not just another fast-casual chicken restaurant; it's a brand built on the massive personality, childhood favorites, and authentic story of one of the world's most recognizable athletes: Shaquille O'Neal. Founded in 2018 by Shaq and his partners at JRS Hospitality, Big Chicken serves up crispy chicken sandwiches, tenders, and sliders with a modern twist, all inspired by Shaq's own home-cooked meals.
The menu is as bold as its founder, featuring items like the "Shaq Attack" (pepper jack cheese, jalapeño slaw, spicy chipotle BBQ sauce) and the "Charles Barkley" (mac & cheese, crispy fried onions, roasted garlic BBQ aioli). This unique blend of high-quality food, a fun and energetic atmosphere, and the immense star power of Shaquille O'Neal creates a powerful and highly marketable franchise concept. The brand's motto, "Go Big," applies to everything from its portion sizes to its ambitious growth strategy, making it a compelling opportunity for savvy entrepreneurs looking to enter the booming chicken sandwich market.
With a rapidly expanding footprint in arenas, cruise ships, and traditional storefronts across the country, Big Chicken is leveraging its celebrity backing and crave-able menu to build a national powerhouse. As reported by outlets like CNBC, the brand's strategic growth and strong unit economics are attracting experienced multi-unit operators, signaling a bright future for new franchisees who get in on the ground floor.
Big Chicken Franchise Cost Breakdown
Understanding the big chicken franchise cost is the critical first step for any potential franchisee. The total initial investment required to open a Big Chicken restaurant is significant, reflecting the high-quality build-out and premium brand positioning. The estimated investment range typically falls between $500,000 and $1,550,000, although this can vary widely based on location, restaurant size, and local market conditions. This figure is comprehensive, covering everything needed to get your doors open and start serving customers.
Let's break down the key components of this total investment:
- Initial Franchise Fee: $40,000. This is a one-time fee paid to the franchisor upon signing the franchise agreement. It grants you the license to use the Big Chicken name, trademarks, recipes, and operating system.
- Real Estate & Leasehold Improvements: $150,000 - $750,000. This is often the largest and most variable expense. It includes costs for site selection, architectural design, construction, and finishing the interior to meet Big Chicken's brand standards. Costs are higher in major metropolitan areas and for larger footprints.
- Kitchen Equipment & Technology: $125,000 - $250,000. This covers all necessary kitchen appliances like commercial fryers, ovens, refrigerators, freezers, and warming stations. It also includes the Point of Sale (POS) system, security cameras, and other essential technology.
- Furniture, Fixtures, and Decor: $40,000 - $100,000. This includes all customer-facing items such as tables, chairs, lighting, and the signature Big Chicken branding and decor package that creates the restaurant's unique atmosphere.
- Signage: $15,000 - $40,000. Both interior and exterior signage are crucial for brand visibility. The cost depends on the size, type, and local zoning regulations.
- Initial Inventory & Supplies: $15,000 - $25,000. This is the cost of your opening stock of food, beverages, paper goods, and cleaning supplies needed to operate for the first few weeks.
- Grand Opening Marketing: $15,000 - $25,000. Big Chicken requires franchisees to spend a minimum amount on a grand opening marketing campaign to build local awareness and drive initial traffic.
- Training Expenses: $10,000 - $20,000. This covers the cost of travel, lodging, and meals for you and your management team to attend the mandatory corporate training program.
- Licenses, Permits, and Professional Fees: $10,000 - $30,000. This category includes business licenses, health permits, liquor licenses (if applicable), and fees for legal and accounting services during the setup phase.
- Additional Funds (Working Capital): $50,000 - $150,000. This is a crucial cash reserve to cover operating expenses like payroll, rent, and utilities for the first 3-6 months before your restaurant becomes cash-flow positive. Lenders will always require you to have sufficient working capital.
In addition to the initial investment, franchisees are also responsible for ongoing fees:
- Royalty Fee: 6% of gross sales.
- Brand Fund Contribution (Marketing): 2% of gross sales.
Financing is a key strategy to cover these substantial upfront costs, allowing you to launch your business while preserving your personal capital for operational needs.
Big Chicken Franchise Requirements
Big Chicken is seeking sophisticated, experienced, and well-capitalized franchise partners to fuel its national expansion. While passion for the brand and Shaq's vision is important, the franchisor has specific financial and operational criteria that candidates must meet to be considered for this premium opportunity.
Financial Requirements
The financial thresholds are designed to ensure that franchisees not only have the capital to build and open the restaurant but also have the financial stability to weather the initial ramp-up period and support future growth. The typical financial requirements are:
- Minimum Net Worth: Candidates are generally required to have a minimum net worth of $1,500,000. Net worth is calculated as your total assets (cash, stocks, real estate, etc.) minus your total liabilities (mortgages, loans, etc.).
- Minimum Liquid Capital: A minimum of $500,000 in liquid capital is typically required. Liquid capital refers to cash or assets that can be converted to cash quickly, such as stocks, bonds, and cash in savings or checking accounts. This liquidity is essential for covering the down payment on a loan and having sufficient working capital.
These figures are often per-unit or for a small multi-unit development agreement. Candidates looking to secure a larger territory with multiple locations will need to demonstrate significantly higher financial capacity.
Operational and Experiential Requirements
Beyond the numbers, Big Chicken prioritizes candidates with a proven track record in the restaurant industry. They are looking for operators, not just investors. Key experiential requirements include:
- Multi-Unit Restaurant Experience: Ideal candidates are existing multi-unit operators of other restaurant concepts, preferably in the quick-service (QSR) or fast-casual space. This experience demonstrates an understanding of restaurant operations, P&L management, team building, and local marketing.
- Business Acumen: Franchisees must possess strong business and leadership skills. This includes the ability to develop and execute a business plan, manage finances, and lead a team of managers and employees effectively.
- Local Market Knowledge: A deep understanding of the desired territory is a significant advantage. This includes knowledge of the local real estate market, demographics, and competitive landscape.
- Commitment to Brand Standards: Franchisees must be willing to fully embrace and execute the Big Chicken operating system. A commitment to quality, customer service, and community engagement is non-negotiable.
Meeting these stringent requirements is the first step. The next is securing the right financing to fund your investment, a process where Crestmont Capital can provide expert guidance and a variety of loan products tailored to your needs.
Big Chicken Franchise vs. Other Chicken Franchises
The chicken franchise market is one of the most competitive and lucrative sectors in the restaurant industry. When considering the big chicken franchise cost and opportunity, it's essential to compare it against established giants and other emerging players. Big Chicken carves out a unique niche through its powerful celebrity backing, premium fast-casual positioning, and innovative menu.
Here’s a comparison of Big Chicken with other well-known chicken franchises:
| Metric | Big Chicken | Popeyes | KFC | Chick-fil-A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand Identity | Modern, fun, celebrity-driven (Shaq) | Authentic Louisiana heritage, bold flavors | Legacy brand, "Original Recipe," family-focused | Premium service, community-oriented, strong values |
| Est. Initial Investment | $500K - $1.55M | $500K - $2.5M+ | $1.4M - $2.8M | $10,000 (Operator model, not traditional franchise) |
| Royalty Fee | 6% | 5% | 5% | 15% of sales + 50% of pretax profit |
| Key Differentiator | Shaquille O'Neal's direct involvement and marketing power. Unique, chef-driven sandwiches. | Iconic chicken sandwich, Cajun-inspired side dishes. | Global brand recognition, famous bucket meals. | Unmatched customer service and AUVs. Extremely difficult to become an operator. |
Key Takeaways from the Comparison:
- Investment Level: Big Chicken's investment is comparable to Popeyes but generally lower than a new-build KFC. The Chick-fil-A model is entirely different and not a direct comparison for entrepreneurs looking to own their assets.
- The "Shaq" Factor: This is Big Chicken's ultimate competitive advantage. Shaq's involvement provides instant brand recognition and a level of marketing reach that would cost other brands millions to achieve. This can significantly reduce customer acquisition costs and drive traffic.
- Growth Potential: As a younger brand, Big Chicken offers more "white space" and territory availability compared to saturated legacy brands like KFC and Popeyes. This provides a significant opportunity for multi-unit developers to secure prime markets.
- Menu Innovation: While focused on chicken, Big Chicken's menu feels more modern and chef-inspired than traditional QSR offerings. This appeals to a younger demographic willing to pay a premium for quality and creativity.
Choosing Big Chicken means investing in a high-growth brand with a unique, powerful marketing engine. While the investment is substantial, the potential for high returns and market share capture in an unsaturated territory makes it an attractive proposition for qualified operators.
Big Chicken Franchise: Key Numbers
Initial Investment
$500K - $1.55M
Franchise Fee
$40,000
Royalty Fee
6%
Liquid Capital Req.
$500,000+
Why Finance Your Big Chicken Franchise?
Even if you have the liquid capital to cover the entire big chicken franchise cost out-of-pocket, utilizing financing is often the smartest strategic decision for long-term success and growth. Tying up all your personal capital in a single location can be risky and limiting. Business financing provides leverage, flexibility, and preserves your most valuable asset: cash.
Here are the primary reasons why financing your franchise is a savvy business move:
- Preserve Liquidity and Working Capital: Cash is the lifeblood of any new business. By financing a significant portion of the startup costs, you retain your personal cash reserves. This money serves as your crucial working capital, available to cover payroll, inventory, marketing, and unexpected expenses during the critical first few months of operation without stress.
- Enable Multi-Unit Growth: For many franchisees, the goal isn't just one location-it's building an empire. Financing your first unit allows you to spread your capital. Instead of using $1 million to open one location, you could potentially use that same capital as a down payment to secure financing for two or three locations, dramatically accelerating your growth and revenue potential.
- Leverage Other People's Money (OPM): Financing allows you to use the lender's capital to generate returns. If your Big Chicken franchise generates a return on investment (ROI) of 20%, but your loan interest rate is only 7%, you are earning a 13% profit on the bank's money. This principle of leverage is how sophisticated investors build wealth.
- Potential Tax Advantages: The interest paid on a business loan is typically a tax-deductible expense. This can lower your overall taxable income, reducing your tax liability at the end of the year. (Always consult with a tax professional to understand the specific implications for your business).
- Build Business Credit: Successfully managing and paying off a business loan helps establish a strong credit history for your company. This makes it easier and cheaper to secure financing for future expansions, equipment upgrades, or other business needs down the road.
By partnering with a lender like Crestmont Capital, you gain access to various small business loans designed specifically for franchises. This allows you to choose the right financial tool to match your specific needs, whether it's funding the initial build-out, purchasing equipment, or securing a flexible line of credit for ongoing operations.
SBA Loans for Big Chicken Franchises
For many Big Chicken franchisees, a loan backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is the gold standard of franchise financing. These are not direct loans from the government; instead, the SBA provides a guarantee to lenders like Crestmont Capital, reducing their risk and encouraging them to offer favorable terms to small businesses.
The most popular program for franchise financing is the SBA 7(a) loan. It's highly versatile and can be used for nearly any legitimate business purpose, making it perfect for funding a new franchise.
How SBA Loans Can Fund Your Big Chicken:
- Total Project Financing: An SBA 7(a) loan can cover the majority of your startup costs, including the franchise fee, real estate leasehold improvements, equipment purchases, inventory, and working capital, all bundled into a single loan.
- Long Repayment Terms: SBA loans offer some of the longest terms available. You can get up to 10 years for working capital and equipment, and up to 25 years if the loan includes real estate. These long terms result in lower monthly payments, which is a massive advantage for a new business's cash flow.
- Competitive Interest Rates: Interest rates on SBA loans are capped by the government and are typically among the lowest on the market. This saves you a significant amount of money over the life of the loan.
- Lower Down Payment Requirements: Because of the government guarantee, lenders can often be more flexible with down payments. A typical SBA loan for a franchise may only require a 20-25% down payment from the borrower, compared to 30% or more for a conventional loan.
The SBA recognizes the strength of established franchise models, and many brands, including high-growth concepts like Big Chicken, are listed on the SBA Franchise Directory. This can streamline the application process because the lender already knows the SBA views the business model favorably. According to the official SBA.gov website, their mission is to help Americans start, build, and grow businesses, and franchise financing is a core part of that mission. Partnering with an SBA-preferred lender like Crestmont Capital can further expedite the process, getting you from application to funding faster.
Equipment Financing for Big Chicken
A Big Chicken restaurant is an equipment-heavy business. From the state-of-the-art fryers and cooktops needed to produce perfectly crispy chicken to the complex Point of Sale (POS) system that manages orders and payments, the cost of equipment represents a substantial portion of your initial investment. This is where specialized equipment financing becomes an invaluable tool.
Equipment financing is a type of loan or lease used specifically to purchase business equipment. Unlike a general business loan, the equipment itself serves as the collateral for the loan. This makes it one of the most accessible forms of financing, even for new businesses.
Benefits of Equipment Financing for Your Restaurant:
- 100% Financing: Many equipment financing agreements can cover the full cost of the equipment, including taxes, shipping, and installation, requiring little to no down payment. This allows you to acquire essential assets without a large upfront cash outlay.
- Preserves Other Credit Lines: Using equipment financing keeps your other sources of capital, like your SBA loan or business line of credit, free for other expenses like marketing, payroll, and working capital.
- Fixed, Predictable Payments: Equipment loans typically have fixed interest rates and a set term (usually 3-7 years), making your monthly payments predictable and easy to budget for.
- Fast Funding: The application process for equipment financing is often much faster than for other types of loans. Because the equipment is the collateral, the underwriting process is more streamlined, and you can often get approved and funded in a matter of days.
- Tax Advantages: Section 179 of the IRS tax code may allow you to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment in the year it was placed into service. This can provide a significant tax benefit. (Consult a tax advisor for details).
What Equipment Can You Finance for Big Chicken?
Virtually all the equipment needed to run your restaurant can be financed, including:
- Commercial fryers, ovens, and grills
- Walk-in coolers and freezers
- Food prep stations and stainless-steel tables
- Ice machines and beverage dispensers
- POS systems, kitchen display systems (KDS), and cash registers
- Security systems
- Restaurant furniture and fixtures
At Crestmont Capital, we offer tailored equipment financing solutions that help you get the best gear for your Big Chicken franchise without draining your working capital.
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Apply Now ->Business Line of Credit for Big Chicken
While term loans like SBA and equipment financing are perfect for large, one-time startup costs, the day-to-day operations of a restaurant have fluctuating financial needs. A grand opening rush might require a sudden large inventory order. A slow season might create a temporary cash flow gap for making payroll. This is where a business line of credit provides essential flexibility and a critical financial safety net.
A business line of credit is a revolving credit facility, similar to a credit card but with higher limits and often lower interest rates. You are approved for a specific credit limit (e.g., $100,000), and you can draw funds from it as needed, up to that limit. You only pay interest on the amount you've actually drawn, not the total limit. As you repay the funds, your available credit is replenished.
How a Line of Credit Supports Your Big Chicken Operations:
- Managing Cash Flow Gaps: It's the perfect tool to smooth out the natural peaks and valleys of restaurant revenue. You can draw funds to cover rent or payroll during a slower-than-expected week and repay it when sales pick back up.
- Inventory Management: Take advantage of bulk-purchase discounts from suppliers without tying up all your cash. Use the line of credit to make the large purchase and then repay it as you sell through the inventory.
- Unexpected Expenses: A critical piece of equipment, like a walk-in freezer, can break down unexpectedly. A line of credit gives you immediate access to funds for emergency repairs or replacements without disrupting your operations.
- Marketing Opportunities: A last-minute opportunity to sponsor a local event or run a targeted digital ad campaign might arise. A line of credit allows you to seize these opportunities to drive sales without having to dip into your operational cash reserves.
Securing a business line of credit before you need it is a proactive business strategy. It provides peace of mind, knowing you have access to capital exactly when you need it. Crestmont Capital can help you establish a line of credit that grows with your business, providing the financial flexibility you need to manage and expand your Big Chicken franchise successfully.
Fast Business Loans for Big Chicken Franchises
In the fast-paced restaurant world, sometimes opportunities and challenges arise that require immediate capital. While SBA loans are excellent for long-term planning, their application process can take several weeks or even months. When speed is the top priority, fast business loans, also known as short-term loans or working capital loans, can bridge the gap.
These loans are designed for speed and convenience, with streamlined applications and rapid funding times, often within 24-48 hours. They are typically for smaller amounts than SBA loans and have shorter repayment terms, usually ranging from 3 to 18 months.
When to Use a Fast Business Loan for Your Franchise:
- Bridging an SBA Funding Gap: If your SBA loan is approved but the final disbursement is delayed, a short-term loan can provide the capital you need to make a down payment on a lease or purchase initial inventory so you don't lose momentum.
- Covering Unexpected Build-Out Costs: Construction projects frequently encounter unforeseen issues that lead to cost overruns. A fast business loan can cover these extra expenses quickly, keeping your opening timeline on track.
- Seizing a Time-Sensitive Opportunity: An opportunity to purchase the equipment from a closing restaurant at a deep discount might come up. A fast loan allows you to act immediately before the opportunity is gone.
- Urgent Marketing Campaigns: If a major local event is announced, like a festival or concert near your location, a quick injection of cash can fund a powerful marketing blitz to capitalize on the increased foot traffic.
While the interest rates on fast business loans are typically higher than those on long-term SBA loans, their strategic value comes from their speed and accessibility. They are not meant for funding the entire franchise but are a powerful tool for solving short-term capital needs and seizing opportunities that generate a high immediate return. Crestmont Capital's platform allows you to apply for these loans in minutes and receive a decision quickly, ensuring you never miss a beat.
How to Qualify for a Big Chicken Franchise Loan
Securing financing for a venture as significant as a Big Chicken franchise requires thorough preparation. Lenders like Crestmont Capital evaluate several key factors to assess the risk of a loan and the likelihood of your success. Understanding these criteria will help you prepare a stronger application. This process is often summarized by the "5 C's of Credit."
- Character (Credit History): This is a measure of your reliability. Lenders will pull your personal credit score (and business credit, if applicable). A strong personal credit score (ideally 680 or higher) is crucial as it demonstrates a history of responsible debt management. Any blemishes like late payments, collections, or bankruptcies will need to be explained.
- Capacity (Cash Flow): This refers to your ability to repay the loan. Lenders will analyze your projected cash flow from the new Big Chicken location. They will use industry data and the franchise's financial performance representations (found in the FDD) to determine if the business can realistically generate enough revenue to cover the loan payments and all other operating expenses. Your personal income and debt-to-income ratio will also be considered.
- Capital (Down Payment): This is the amount of your own money you are injecting into the project. Lenders want to see that you have "skin in the game." A significant down payment (typically 20-30% of the total project cost) reduces the lender's risk and shows your commitment to the venture. This is where meeting Big Chicken's liquid capital requirement of $500,000 is critical.
- Collateral: This is an asset that secures the loan. For an SBA loan, the assets of the business-such as equipment, inventory, and accounts receivable-will be used as collateral. In some cases, lenders may also require personal collateral, such as a lien on your home, especially for new businesses.
- Conditions: This refers to the purpose of the loan, the overall economic climate, and industry trends. The restaurant industry, particularly the fast-casual chicken sector, is currently very strong, which is a positive condition. Your business plan must clearly articulate how you will use the loan proceeds and how you will navigate the competitive landscape in your specific market.
Documents Needed to Apply
A well-organized document package is essential for a smooth and fast loan application process. Gathering these items in advance will demonstrate your professionalism and preparedness to the lender. While specific requirements may vary slightly depending on the loan type, this list covers the core documents you will need to apply for a Big Chicken franchise loan.
Core Application Documents:
- Loan Application: The lender's official application form, such as Crestmont Capital's streamlined online application or the SBA's Form 1919.
- Personal Financial Statement: A detailed statement (like SBA Form 413) listing all your personal assets (cash, real estate, investments) and liabilities (mortgages, car loans, credit card debt). This is used to verify your net worth and liquidity.
- Personal and Business Tax Returns: Typically, the last 2-3 years of personal tax returns for all principals owning 20% or more of the business. If you have an existing business, you'll also need its tax returns for the same period.
- Resumes for All Principals: Lenders want to see your professional background, especially any relevant restaurant or business management experience.
- Business Plan: This is a critical document. It should include an executive summary, company description, market analysis, management team bios, marketing and sales strategy, and detailed financial projections (3-5 years of pro-forma statements).
Franchise-Specific Documents:
- Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD): You must provide the complete FDD received from Big Chicken. Lenders will review it to understand the franchisor's health, fees, and rules.
- Signed Franchise Agreement: This is the legally binding contract between you and Big Chicken. The lender needs a copy to confirm the terms of your agreement.
- Business Formation Documents: Articles of incorporation or organization for your LLC or S-Corp, along with your business license and EIN.
- Lease Agreement: A copy of the signed lease or letter of intent for your restaurant location.
- Detailed Use of Funds / Project Cost Breakdown: A spreadsheet itemizing every single startup cost, from the franchise fee to construction and working capital, showing exactly how the loan funds will be spent.
Having these documents ready will significantly speed up the underwriting process and leave a positive impression on your loan officer.
Crestmont Capital's Financing Options
At Crestmont Capital, we understand that financing a premier franchise like Big Chicken requires more than a one-size-fits-all approach. As a top US business lender, we specialize in providing a full suite of financing solutions tailored to the unique needs of franchisees. We work closely with you to structure the optimal funding package to cover your big chicken franchise cost and set you up for success.
Our comprehensive financing options include:
- SBA 7(a) and 504 Loans: As a preferred lender, we have deep expertise in navigating the SBA loan process. We help you access these government-backed loans with long terms and low rates, perfect for financing the entire franchise project, including real estate purchase and construction.
- Equipment Financing and Leasing: We offer fast and flexible equipment financing to help you acquire all the necessary kitchen and front-of-house technology without depleting your working capital. Our programs can cover 100% of the equipment cost with competitive rates.
- Working Capital Loans: Our fast business loans provide a quick injection of cash to cover initial operating expenses, grand opening marketing, or to bridge any funding gaps. Applications are simple, and funding can happen in as little as 24 hours.
- Business Lines of Credit: We can establish a revolving business line of credit to give you ongoing financial flexibility for managing inventory, payroll, and unexpected expenses. It's the financial safety net every restaurant owner needs.
- Commercial Real Estate Loans: If your plan includes purchasing the land and building for your Big Chicken, we offer competitive commercial real estate loans, which can often be integrated with an SBA 504 loan for maximum benefit.
Our team of financing experts understands the franchise model inside and out. We provide personalized guidance, comparing different loan structures to find the one that best aligns with your business plan and financial goals. For a look at how we've helped other franchise owners, check out our Crumbl Cookie franchise loan guide. Our goal is to be more than just a lender; we are your strategic financial partner in building your Big Chicken empire.
The Application Process
Navigating the loan application process can seem daunting, but at Crestmont Capital, we've streamlined it to be as efficient and transparent as possible. Our goal is to get you the funding you need with minimal hassle so you can focus on what matters most-building your business. Here is a step-by-step overview of what to expect when you apply with us.
- Initial Consultation & Pre-Qualification: The process begins with a simple conversation. You'll speak with one of our franchise financing specialists to discuss your project, the big chicken franchise cost, and your financial situation. We'll review your basic qualifications (credit, liquidity) and help you determine which loan products are the best fit. This pre-qualification step can often be completed in minutes through our online form or over the phone.
- Formal Application & Document Submission: Once you're ready to proceed, you'll complete a formal application and submit the required documents we discussed earlier (business plan, financial statements, franchise agreement, etc.). Our secure online portal makes it easy to upload everything safely and efficiently. Your dedicated loan officer will be available to guide you through this stage and ensure your package is complete.
- Underwriting and Review: This is where our credit team conducts a detailed analysis of your application. They will verify your financial information, evaluate your business plan's viability, assess the strength of the Big Chicken franchise model, and ensure the loan structure meets all regulatory and internal guidelines. We may come back to you with a few follow-up questions during this stage. Because of our experience, this process is often much faster than at a traditional bank.
- Approval and Term Sheet: Once the underwriter approves your loan, you will receive a formal commitment letter or term sheet. This document will outline all the specifics of the loan, including the loan amount, interest rate, repayment term, and any fees or conditions. We will walk you through this document line by line to ensure you fully understand and are comfortable with the terms.
- Closing and Funding: After you accept the loan terms, we move to the closing phase. We will prepare the final loan documents for your signature. Once all documents are signed and any closing conditions (like proof of insurance) are met, the funds will be disbursed according to the use-of-funds plan, often paid directly to vendors, contractors, or the franchisor, with working capital deposited into your business bank account.
Our team is committed to keeping you informed at every step, providing a clear and straightforward path from application to opening day.
Ready to Finance Your Big Chicken Franchise?
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Apply Now ->Big Chicken Franchise FAQ
Q: What is the total investment for a Big Chicken franchise?
Q: How much liquid capital do I need to qualify for Big Chicken?
Q: Can I finance the entire Big Chicken franchise cost?
Q: What is the royalty fee for a Big Chicken franchise?
Q: What kind of experience do I need to become a franchisee?
Q: Is an SBA loan a good option for financing a Big Chicken?
Q: How long does it take to get a franchise loan approved?
Q: What is the minimum credit score needed for a Big Chicken franchise loan?
Q: Do I need a business plan to get a loan?
Q: Can I use a loan to cover the franchise fee?
Q: What is working capital and why do I need it?
Q: Does Shaquille O'Neal actually own Big Chicken?
Q: Can I finance more than one Big Chicken location at a time?
Q: What happens if I get denied for a loan?
Q: Why should I use a lender like Crestmont Capital instead of my local bank?
Next Steps to Get Funded
You've learned about the brand, the costs, and the financing options. Now it's time to take action. Follow these steps to move forward on your journey to becoming a Big Chicken franchise owner.
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1
Confirm Your Eligibility
Before diving into financing, ensure you meet Big Chicken's franchise requirements. Review your net worth and liquid capital against their minimums ($1.5M and $500K, respectively) and be prepared to showcase your multi-unit restaurant experience. Start the official inquiry process on the Big Chicken franchise website.
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2
Develop Your Business Plan
Begin drafting a detailed business plan. This should include your operational strategy, a thorough analysis of your target market and location, a marketing plan, and comprehensive financial projections for the first 3-5 years of operation. This document will be the cornerstone of your loan application.
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3
Get Pre-Qualified for Financing
This is the most crucial step. Contact Crestmont Capital for a no-obligation pre-qualification. In just a few minutes, we can assess your financial profile and give you a clear understanding of the loan amount you can likely secure. This empowers you to move forward with Big Chicken and your site selection with confidence.
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4
Submit Your Application
Once you've been awarded a franchise and have a location in mind, it's time to submit your full loan application to Crestmont Capital. With your documents prepared and our team by your side, the process will be seamless, moving you one giant step closer to your grand opening.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general educational purposes only and is not financial, legal, or tax advice. Funding terms, qualifications, and product availability may vary and are subject to change without notice. Crestmont Capital does not guarantee approval, rates, or specific outcomes. For personalized information about your business funding options, contact our team directly.









