Big Chicken, a chicken restaurant concept founded in 2018, will open its first location in North Texas at 9755 N. Freeway, Ste. 101, in Fort Worth this spring.

The details

According to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, the 2,510 square-foot restaurant is slated to be completed March 15. The restaurant space will feature a bar and a drive-thru.

According to the company’s website, there are 18 locations nationwide—including two on Carnival cruise ships that dock in Florida—with three of those locations in Texas. A fourth Texas location is slated to open in Lubbock in 2024.

The backstory


The website states that the company’s founders include JRS Hospitality, Authentic Brands Group, and former professional basketball player Shaquille O’Neal. The menu is inspired by O’Neal’s childhood favorites and includes:
  • Fried chicken sandwiches, such as a crispy chicken grilled cheese with chicken, three cheeses and chipotle barbecue sauce on Italian bread
  • Chicken tenders
  • Cheez-It-crusted macaroni and cheese
  • Popcorn chicken
  • Shakes
According to the website, this is not the first foray into the restaurant industry for the NBA Hall-of-Famer. He owns more than 30 quick-service restaurant franchises and serves on Papa John's board of directors.