Shaq's Big Chicken to open its first Florida restaurant in Tampa

A new chicken spot is coming to Tampa with a big name attached in early. Basketball legend and entrepreneur Shaquille O'Neal’s Big Chicken is opening at 8725 W. Linebaugh Ave., located in the Westchase community.

“Big Chicken was built on the vision that comfort food brings people together, so we are thrilled to open our first location in Westchase,” Sam Reddy, co-owner of Big Chicken in Tampa says in a statement. “It was important to us to bring the energy behind this brand to a suburb with a strong sense of community and family, and Westchase has all that and more.”  

The location is a first for the Florida market and joins an eclectic fold in 18 other states, England and a Carnival cruise ship. Patrons will be able to indulge in menu heavy-hitters like fried chicken sandwiches, milkshakes and macaroni and cheese.