Shaq To Open His First Massachusetts Chicken Restaurant
Somehow it’s already been 13 years since Shaquille O’Neal called Boston home, playing his last NBA season with the Celtics. Next year however, the “Diesel” plans to make a return of sorts to the area. Last week, it was announced that Shaquille O’Neal will be opening his first Big Chicken restaurant location in Massachusetts.
“Big Chicken is one of three new tenants coming to the Northshore Mall in 2024, according to an announcement from mall operator Simon,” WCVB Boston reported. The official address of this mall is 210 Andover St in Peabody.
Shaq Always Goes Big
When he wasn’t breaking backboard, winning championships or cracking jokes, Shaq was still making things happen. Off the court, even in his playing days, Shaq had a big vision. He’d star in movies, make rap albums, or design some of best Reebok shoes in the brand’s history (before creating his own brand).
So, how does this relate to chicken? Well, if you are not aware, Shaq has been in the restaurant game for a while now. In fact, Sports Brief recently reported on all of the companies Shaq has invested in, and the franchises he has owned. His impressive portfolio over the years includes Papa John’s Pizza, Krispy Kreme Donuts, and Auntie Annie’s Pretzels. Surely, you’ve seen some of the commercials.
Then, in 2018 Shaq, along with the Las Vegas hospitality group JRS Hospitality, and Authentic Brands Group launched Big Chicken. “Big Chicken fuses O’Neal’s home-cooked childhood favorites with today’s trending flavors,” Big Chicken states.
Here are some of the menu items you can expect at Big Chicken. The categories are broken down into mains, sides, and sweets. There are seven different chicken sandwiches. That includes one variety that is topped with onion rings and mac and cheese. The sides also include mac and cheese (that is topped with crushed cheez-its, of course). In addition, there is a jalapeño slaw and three other French fry options. Shakes, ice cream cookie sandwiches, and large cookies make up the dessert items.
“Big Chicken and Immersive Gamebox will be located on the Andover Street side of the mall, across the parking lot from Life Time Athletic,” WCVB concludes. An official grand opening date has not been announced yet.
