Exciting New Chicken Joint Big Chicken, Backed by Shaquille O’Neal, Opens in Livonia with Grand Promotions

Exciting New Chicken Joint Opens in Livonia

Livonia residents, get ready for some mouthwatering excitement! A new chicken place called Big Chicken, backed by none other than the basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal, is set to open its doors this Tuesday on a busy stretch of Plymouth Road. This will be the third location for Big Chicken in Michigan, following the launch of its first location in Clio last February and another in Hartland this past August.

A Taste of Big Flavor and Fun

Big Chicken aims to offer guests not just delicious food but also an energetic atmosphere centered around creating memorable moments for friends and families. Hafaid Gobah, who operates all three Michigan locations under his H&D Group Investments, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “We’re beyond excited to share Big Chicken with even more metro Detroit residents and to be part of a community where we can make meaningful connections with our guests.”

The new spot in Livonia isn’t a stranger to chicken lovers; it takes over the former location of Chicken Guy, a venture by celebrity chef Guy Fieri. Chicken Guy opened just a little over a year ago but closed down in June due to “unforeseen circumstances.” With a nearby Chick-Fil-A and Lee’s Famous Chicken, the area is already a chicken haven!

A Grand Opening with a Special Twist

When the doors swing open at 11 a.m. Tuesday, the first 34 people in line will receive free Big Chicken food and drinks for a year! This nod to Shaquille O’Neal’s iconic Lakers jersey number is a tempting touch. Keep in mind that the free food promotion is capped at $10 weekly, but hey, that’s still a fantastic deal!

Flavorful Menu with a Twist

Big Chicken’s menu features a delightful array of chicken sandwiches, each with its own unique flair. Featuring both grilled and crispy options, the sandwiches are served on buttery brioche buns. Prices for the sandwiches range from $6.59 to $9.29, while combos go for $9.99 to $13.28. Standout items include the original sandwich topped with Big Chicken sauce and pickles and the mouthwatering Ultimate sandwich, which includes mac and cheese and crispy fried onions.

During a recent preview tasting, we sampled the Original sandwich and found it just as hearty as expected, featuring a perfect crunch paired with tender, juicy chicken. However, it was the Ultimate sandwich that really won us over, thanks to its flavorful combination of mac and cheese and crispy onions. The chicken tenders were another hit, perfectly crispy and moist while avoiding the heavy breading that often makes tenders disappointing.

Exciting Additions and Sweet Treats

New on the menu are chicken wings offered in flavors like buffalo, lemon pepper, Memphis BBQ, and even Thai chili. Also worth mentioning is Lucille’s Mac n’ Cheese, named after Shaq’s mom, which is creamy with a cheesy kick — although we found the optional Cheez-It crust a tad underwhelming. And don’t overlook the milkshake selection, featuring flavors such as peanut butter chip, salted caramel, cookies and cream, and strawberry. Shaquille O’Neal even partnered with Kellogg’s to bring you the Frosted Flakes Shake, combining vanilla ice cream with crushed Frosted Flakes and whipped cream!

Plans for Growth and Quality

The excitement doesn’t stop at Livonia; Gobah’s H&D Group Investments has plans for 20 additional Big Chicken locations throughout Michigan, including spots in Ann Arbor, Lansing, Flint, Saginaw, and Mount Pleasant. With its commitment to using high-quality chicken, Big Chicken separates itself from other chains, focusing on top-notch ingredients and fresh, made-to-order meals.

Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken brand, launched in 2018 in partnership with Authentic Brands Group and JRS Hospitality, is on a growth trajectory with over 40 locations already and plans for over 350 additional restaurants in development across the U.S. and internationally. It looks like Livonia is just the beginning for this exciting new venture!