Livonia Welcomes a New Fried Chicken Franchise

Livonia Welcomes a New Fried Chicken Franchise

Exciting changes are on the horizon for Livonia as a new fast-casual fried chicken joint is gearing up to take its place, replacing the recently closed Chicken Guy franchise run by foodie favorite Guy Fieri. The location, at 30130 Plymouth Road, now proudly displays a ‘Coming Soon’ sign for NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken franchise, stirring up a buzz around town.

The Transition From Chicken Guy to Big Chicken

Chicken Guy had only been serving the Livonia community for a brief window from spring 2023 until June 30 of this year. Despite its short-lived presence, local partners from the Farmington Hills-based Tomey Group shared their gratitude, stating, “We are incredibly grateful for the patronage we have received from our loyal customers and the local community, and for our team members and partners who have supported us through this journey.” They cited “unforeseen circumstances beyond our control” for the closure, but promised a smooth transition for their employees, offering them opportunities in their other businesses.

Big Chicken Arrives in Michigan

Meanwhile, Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken brand is gearing up for a big splash in Michigan, with plans to open a whopping 20 locations statewide! The franchise is in collaboration with the Michigan-based H&D Group Investments, and the first Big Chicken spot opened earlier this year in Clio, at 11476 N. Linden Road. Reports confirm that both the Clio and Livonia locations are under the umbrella of local owner Hafaid Gobah.

What is Big Chicken?

So, what exactly can hungry customers expect from Big Chicken? Founded in 2018, this franchise has quickly become a go-to destination for fried chicken enthusiasts across the country, with locations in major cities like Las Vegas and Los Angeles, as well as several sports arenas. Their menu boasts an array of mouthwatering selections, including crispy chicken sandwiches, tantalizing chicken tenders, Cheez-It crusted mac and cheese, and perennially popular ice cream shakes. Sounds like a real treat, right?

Fried Chicken Scene in Livonia

Livonia isn’t just stepping up its chicken game with Big Chicken. The city already hosts a plethora of fast-food and fast-casual fried chicken spots, including Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken and Wings, the well-known Chick-fil-A, and Lee’s Famous Recipe. Not to mention, there are also Chicken Shack and not just one, but two Wing Snobs! It seems that fried chicken in Livonia is definitely on the rise.

What This Means for Local Chicken Lovers

This transition from Chicken Guy to Big Chicken marks a significant moment for food lovers in Livonia. With recognizable names in the culinary world staking their claim in the area, residents can expect a feast of flavors and choices in the fried chicken domain. Shaquille O’Neal, a man known for his fun-loving personality and larger-than-life presence, will surely bring something special to the local food scene.

Final Thoughts

As Livonia prepares for the arrival of Big Chicken, residents are invited to keep their eyes peeled for the grand opening. Will the NBA star’s fried chicken go head-to-head with existing options, or will it emerge as the new crowd favorite? Only time will tell, and in the meantime, chicken lovers are certainly in for a delightful treat ahead. Stay tuned for updates as this juicy story unfolds!