The Big Chicken empire is going for national domination. Shaquille O?Neal and his restaurant group are signing deals after deals to expand the NBA legend’s nostalgia-filled dining business. After recent successes in Texas and Michigan, O’Neal is now opening more locations in a state that has a personal connection with him. The 4x NBA champion called this place home for a year and he’s now bringing his childhood-style meals to the city.

The newest location is close to Boston Celtics nation. The franchise is where O’Neal ended his NBA playing career before retiring in 2011.

Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken arrives in Celtics turf

After 19 seasons in the NBA and four championship titles, Shaquille O’Neal retired from playing basketball in 2011. He was content with transitioning to his multiple business ventures alongside his broadcast and entertainment careers. In 2018, he got together with business partners to establish his restaurant chain, Big Chicken Shaq.

The Big Chicken empire has been steadily opening more locations across the country as footfalls grow. He’s following up his recent expansion plans by announcing a new location in Massachusetts.

A statement by Shaq’s camp has stated that the Big Chicken management has signed a lease for its newest location. The restaurant will open in the Northshore Mall in Peabody.

Peabody is about a 30-minute drive from Boston’s TD Garden, home of the Celtics. Before his retirement, O’Neal played his final NBA season at the age of 39 with the Celtics. In his book, Shaq Uncut, O’Neal would say that signing with the team was one last shot to further his legacy, and he had nothing to lose.

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His presence and experience benefited the team as a whole, even if he wasn’t in top playing form. He may have bowed out on a low note, but Shaq has a mutual love for Boston and Massachusetts from his time there. Nonetheless, the city will now be a part of O’Neal’s growing business empire.

Big Chicken to open more doors

Big Chicken’s menu prides itself for taking Shaquille O’Neal’s childhood meals and combining it with food trends. Fans love it and not just for the Shaq-appeal. Other cities are looking forward to O’Neal’s restaurant to open there and the 3x Finals MVP is making it happen.

His restaurant group has signed deals at multiple locations to open dozens of Big Chicken franchises. It is making its Midwest debut in Michigan with 20 locations. It’s also entering Texas’ biggest markets with 50 planned locations. At least 300 Big Chicken locations are in development to open soon.

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The Peabody location is underway and expected to open next year. When it’s operational, it will be the first Big Chicken restaurant in Massachusetts. The Michigan and Texas locations are expected to open in 2024 too.