Shaquille O’Neal is not only one of the greatest basketball players of all time, but also a successful entrepreneur with a diverse portfolio of investments. One of his latest ventures is Big Chicken, a restaurant chain that specializes in crispy chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, and other delicious dishes.
Big Chicken was launched in 2018 in Las Vegas, where O’Neal lives and works as a DJ and TV analyst. The first location was a hit with locals and tourists alike, attracting long lines and rave reviews. Since then, Big Chicken has opened outlets in Glendale, California; Rosemont, Illinois; Upland, California; and on board Carnival Cruise ships.
Now, Big Chicken is expanding its presence in Las Vegas with a second location near the Strip. The new outlet is located at 4480 Paradise Road, next to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. It opened its doors on Friday, Jan., 6, 2023, with a grand opening ceremony attended by O’Neal himself.
Big Chicken offers a variety of mouthwatering menu items inspired by O’Neal’s childhood memories
The menu at Big Chicken is based on O’Neal’s favorite childhood meals, which he learned from his mother and grandmother. He wanted to share his love for chicken with the world, and create a fun and friendly atmosphere for his customers.
Some of the signature items at Big Chicken include:
- The Shaq Attack: A spicy chicken sandwich with pepper jack cheese, jalapeños, and chipotle mayo
- The M.D.E.: A chicken sandwich with Swiss cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, and honey mustard
- The Big Aristotle: A chicken sandwich with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, and Big Sauce
- The Uncle Jerome: A chicken sandwich with coleslaw, pickles, and BBQ sauce
- The Big Slaw: A chicken sandwich with coleslaw and Big Sauce
- The Crispy Bird: A chicken sandwich with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, and mayo
- The Hot Chick: A chicken sandwich with Nashville hot sauce and pickles
- The Blue Chips: A chicken sandwich with blue cheese dressing and buffalo sauce
In addition to the sandwiches, Big Chicken also offers chicken tenders, salads, wraps, sides, desserts, and drinks. Customers can customize their orders with different sauces and toppings. They can also order online or through the Big Chicken app for delivery or pickup.
Big Chicken aims to become a global brand with more locations and partnerships
Big Chicken is not just a restaurant chain; it is also a lifestyle brand that represents O’Neal’s personality and values. He wants to make people happy with his food and his service. He also wants to give back to the community by supporting various causes and charities.
Big Chicken has partnered with Toronto-based Ghost Kitchen Brands to open more than 150 locations across North America by the end of 2023. It has also teamed up with Carnival Cruise Line to offer its menu on board its ships. O’Neal is the Chief Fun Officer of Carnival Cruise Line, a role that suits his fun-loving nature.
Big Chicken plans to open more locations in cities like Austin and Phoenix in the near future. It also hopes to expand internationally to markets like Asia and Europe. O’Neal believes that his chicken sandwiches have universal appeal and can compete with other fast-food giants.
Big Chicken is one of the many businesses that O’Neal owns or invests in. He is also involved in Papa John’s Pizza, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, Five Guys Burgers and Fries, NRG Esports, Ring Video Doorbell, The General Insurance, Steady App, Forto Coffee Shots, Muscle Milk Protein Shakes, Loyal3 Stock Trading Platform, Reebok Sneakers, and many more.
O’Neal has an estimated net worth of $400 million as of 2023. He is one of the most influential and recognizable celebrities in the world. He has won four NBA championships, three NBA Finals MVP awards, one NBA MVP award, 15 NBA All-Star selections, and two Olympic gold medals. He has also appeared in movies, TV shows, commercials, video games, and music albums. He has a doctorate degree in education and a honorary degree in law. He is a father of six children and a grandfather of one.
O’Neal is a man of many talents and achievements, but he is also humble and generous. He is known for his kindness and generosity to his fans and strangers. He has donated millions of dollars to various causes and organizations, such as Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Toys for Tots, Make-A-Wish Foundation, and Shaquille O’Neal Foundation. He has also paid for the funerals of several victims of gun violence, such as Kobe Bryant, Gianna Bryant, and George Floyd.
O’Neal is an inspiration to many people around the world. He is a living legend who continues to make an impact on and off the court. He is also a big chicken lover who wants to share his passion with everyone.
