In 2018, basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal embarked on a new venture by opening the first Big Chicken restaurant in Las Vegas. Despite his enormous success and estimated net worth of $400 million, O'Neal faced the same struggles as any other business owner in the country.
The grand opening of Big Chicken was highly anticipated, and it attracted a lot of attention. However, the road to success was not without obstacles. In a Facebook series called "Big Chicken Shaq," which documented the opening of the restaurant, an unexpected setback was revealed.
On a visit to check on the progress, O'Neal and his team were shocked to find some newly ordered equipment sitting outside the restaurant.
It turned out that the door was not big enough for the equipment to be brought inside. Disappointed, O'Neal remarked, "I'm not a builder or anything, but if this doesn't fit, then someone measured wrong."
The construction manager was questioned about the mistake, and he admitted that it was his fault. Determined to find a solution, O'Neal and his team went inside to discuss the issue with the contractor. They were presented with two possible solutions: tearing up the entire doorway or squeezing the equipment through a window.
While the setbacks were concerning, O'Neal managed to find humor in the situation. He jokingly told his team that he had an important call to take and left them to handle the problems. With a straight face, he said, "I'll see you outside. 'What's up, Rihanna? Yeah, I'm on my way.'" Everyone in the room burst into laughter at the unexpected twist.
But behind O'Neal's playful demeanor, there was a method to his madness. He is known for being a smart delegator, and this quality has been instrumental in his success. O'Neal trusts his team to handle the day-to-day operations, while he focuses on making important decisions.
Despite the challenges, O'Neal's delegation skills and the hard work of his team paid off. The restaurant was opened as planned, and it has seen tremendous growth ever since.
This story of overcoming obstacles and finding humor in tough situations showcases O'Neal's resilience and determination as a businessman. It serves as inspiration for entrepreneurs facing their own challenges, reminding them that setbacks are a natural part of the journey to success.