Shaquille O’Neal​ Opening First Metro Detroit Big Chicken Next Week

LIVONIA, MI — NBA Legend Shaquille O’Neal is opening his first Metro Detroit Big Chicken restaurant next week, according to a news release.

The restaurant will open next Tuesday at 30130 Plymouth Road, in Livonia. It's the same spot where Celebrity Chef Guy Fieri opened his Chicken Guy! restaurant, which closed down after just one year.

The first 34 guests in line at the grand opening will get free Big Chicken food and drinks for a year, with a $10 limit each week.

The new Livonia Big Chicken will be operated by Hafaid Gobah and his team at H&D Group Investments.

"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," Gobah said. "Our goal isn’t just to serve mouthwatering chicken sandwiches but to create moments that make people smile and bring friends and families together. Whether you’re a fan of Shaq or just love to have fun and eat well, we’re ready to deliver guests an unforgettable experience."

O’Neal’s Big Chicken is best known for his home-cooked childhood favorites, such as the Ultimate chicken sandwich, which loaded with Mac and cheese and crispy fried onions. Another favorite is Uncle Jerome’s Nashville Hot Chicken sandwich, which is topped with lettuce, mayo and pickles.

Other menu favorites include Dunks (savory boneless chicken pieces that are larger than nuggets but smaller than traditional tenders) and seasoned traditional wings with sauces like Buffalo, Lemon Pepper, Memphis BBQ or Thai Chili.

There is also a Crispy Chicken Grilled Cheese sandwich, which started as a limited-time offer but was made permanent due to popular demand.

"We heard the demand for a Big Chicken location in Metro Detroit, and Hafaid and his incredible team at H&D Group Investments worked to make it happen," Big Chicken CEO Josh Halpern said. "Hafaid has been an active member of our franchise system, and our recent discussions at our national meeting have only strengthened our excitement about bringing this opportunity to Detroit. Community involvement is essential to us, and I know their team is dedicated to creating lasting relationships while serving smiles to everyone who walks through our doors."

Michigan's first big chicken opened earlier this year in Clio. There is also a restaurant at 10490 Highland Road in Hartland.

Other Michigan locations where officials plan to open Big Chicken restaurant, include across Metro Detroit, Ann Arbor, Lansing, Flint, Saginaw and Mount Pleasant.