Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken Is Coming To Lake Charles, LA!

Lake Charles is getting a new restaurant chain, and this one is packing some major NBA star power! Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal is bringing his national fast-food, Big Chicken, to Southwest Louisiana.

Shaq founded the popular chicken chain with JRS Hospitality and Authentic Brands Group. His first Big Chicken eatery opened in Las Vegas on October 6, 2018, and since then, the former NBA star has expanded his restaurant brand by leaps and bonds. The chicken joint's grand opening got a lot of buzz because the Lakers legend starred in a reality TV series,  Big Chick Shaq, that premiered on the same day!

Thanks to Shaq's Big Chicken Franchise Program, new locations have popped up nationwide. The franchise program began in August 2021, and since then, Big Chicken locations opened in Houston and Austin, Texas; Tempe and Gilbert, Arizona; Baltimore, Maryland; Glendale and Valencia, California; New York; Kansas City, Missouri; Elmont, Miamisburg, Ohio; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Seattle and Renton, Washington. Shaq also has Big Chicken restaurants on Carnival Cruis Ships, and several restaurants have opened inside sports arenas.

FYI, the franchise serves up Louisiana-style fried chicken sandwiches, Cheez-It macaroni, cookies as big as basketballs, soups and salads. Some menu items are named after people, places, and things that reflect his personality and professional life. Unlike most chicken fast-food chains, Shaq has locations that offer alcoholic beverages. Customers can dine in and sip on mixed drinks, wine, and craft beers.

Big Chicken details for the Lake Charles store are coming soon, and it will be the first location in Louisiana. Word has it that another restaurant will open in Lafayette as well. We look forward to sharing more exciting news.