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

By Laura Lyon
| 11:45 a.m. April 21, 2025
| 2 Free Articles Remaining!

Shaquille O’Neal's chicken joint Big Chicken is opening its first location in Tampa Bay.

Tampa Bay-Lakeland

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.

Big Chicken opened its first location in Las Vegas in 2018. In addition to Shaq, partners include JRS Hospitality, Authentic Brands Group and Craveworthy Brands.

The company says it's looking to fill hourly roles ahead of the grand opening. Anyone interested in applying can do so at BigChicken.com/tampa-fl-careers.

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author

Laura Lyon

Laura Lyon is the Business Observer's editor for the Tampa Bay region, covering business news in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Polk counties. She has a journalism degree from American University in Washington, D.C. Prior to the Business Observer, she worked in many storytelling capacities as a photographer and writer for various publications and brands.