Big Chicken, the fast-casual concept from NBA Hall-of-Famer Shaquille O’Neal, is opening its first Tampa Bay location this May. The restaurant will be located at 8725 West Linebaugh Avenue, and it’s already hiring hourly team members ahead of a tentative May 6 opening.
Those interested in joining the team can apply online.
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Shaq, known for his larger-than-life personality, is a celebrated athlete, DJ, and entrepreneur. Now, he’s expanding his culinary empire in the Sunshine State with Big Chicken, a restaurant that blends his favorite home-cooked flavors with modern comfort food.
Big Chicken is all about comfort food
“Big Chicken was built on the vision that comfort food brings people together, so we are thrilled to open our first location in Westchase,” said Sam Reddy, co-owner of Big Chicken Tampa. “We wanted to bring this high-energy brand to a community that values family, and Westchase is the perfect fit. Now, we’re excited to build a local team that will help us serve BIG flavors and BIG smiles with every bite.”
Big Chicken was founded in 2018 by Shaquille O’Neal, JRS Hospitality, and Authentic Brands Group. Since then, the restaurant has gained national attention for its over-the-top menu and bold personality.
Here’s a taste of what’s coming to Tampa:
- Big & Sloppy: Mac & cheese, crispy fried onions, and roasted garlic BBQ aioli
- Uncle Jerome: Nashville hot chicken with lettuce, mayo, and pickles
- Shaq Attack: Pepper jack cheese, jalapeño slaw, and spicy chipotle BBQ sauce
- Fried Chicken Sliders: Served SHAQ’S WAY with white American cheese and ketchup
- Chicago Sammie: Buffalo hot sauce, blue cheese, mayo, and slaw
- Grandma’s Banana Pudding: Banana pudding ice cream with a vanilla wafer cookie
A big Florida expansion is in the works
In addition to its signature sandwiches, Big Chicken serves hand-crafted shakes made with 100% California dairy, frosty root beer from Big Dog’s Brewing Company, and Cheez-It® crusted mac n’ cheese. All chicken is The Naked Truth premium chicken—preservative-free, humanely raised, and antibiotic-free.
Follow Big Chicken on Facebook and Instagram for updates on the Westchase opening and upcoming Florida locations.
