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 September.

The details

According to a news release, the first 34 customers will receive complimentary food and drinks at Big Chicken for an entire year, in honor of Shaquille O’Neal’s jersey number with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation website states the 2,510 square-foot restaurant will feature 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 six of those locations in Texas.


The backstory

The website states that the company’s founders include JRS Hospitality, Authentic Brands Group, and O’Neal, a former professional basketball player. 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 and sundaes
According to the website, this is not the first foray into the restaurant industry for the NBA Hall-of-Famer. O'Neal owns more than 30 quick-service restaurant franchises and also serves on Papa John's board of directors.