Niagara University Students and Faculty Rally in Gally with Josh Halpern, CEO of Big Chicken

Josh Halpern, CEO of Big Chicken, addressed nearly 300 Niagara University students, faculty, and staff during a Rally in Gally on Oct. 22, 2024. The event was the relaunch of an annual event sponsored by the Holzschuh College of Business Administration that brings together students, faculty, and others to highlight current business issues.

Halpern's presentation, "Transforming our Future by Reflecting on our Past," discussed the need for businesses to be able to quickly adapt to the ways the workplace is changing, and the importance for companies to embed generational diversity into all their activities. He also encouraged students to think about their personal brands and the value they bring to the workplace.

"It's events like these that bring industry to campus," said Dr. Mark Frascatore, dean of the college. "Josh Halpern brought a wealth of experience and wisdom, which he shared with over 250 students. And the long line of students waiting to speak with him afterward was testament to the impact he had."

Tony Giardina, supply chain operations director at Big Chicken, accompanied Halpern to campus and spoke to Dr. Fernando Naranjo's MGT 325 class "Food Industry Supply Chain Management."

"As a food advisory board member, Josh continues to stay connected to our students by sharing his food industry knowledge and life skills to help prepare them for the world of business," said Phillip Catanese, director of centers and college outreach, who, with Dr. Lisa Williams, associate professor of management and college director of student engagement, organized the event.

Big Chicken was founded in 2018 by Hall of Fame basketball star Shaquille O'Neal in partnership with JRS Hospitality, a Las Vegas-based ownership group, and Authentic Brands Group, a multinational, multibillion-dollar brand development, marketing, and entertainment company.

Before joining Big Chicken, Halpern served as chief sales officer for Buffalo-based FIFCO USA, the eighth largest U.S. brewing company, where he was responsible for commercial operations and building top- and bottom-line results for Off-Premise, On-Premise, and company-owned brewpubs. Before that, he led the Anheuser-Busch InBev, On-Premise and Small Format channels in the U.S., and Shopper Marketing globally. He has been named to Nation Restaurant News' Top 100 Most Influential CEOs and to Fast Casual Magazine's 2022 Top Movers and Shakers List.