Heatwaves or lashing rain, nothing was strong enough to deter fans from attending the grand opening of Shaquille O’Neal‘s Big Chicken in North Texas. As expected, dozens gathered around in hopes of seeing O’Neal, but they had to settle for greeting his likeness on posters, and advertising menus. The Big Aristotle didn’t show up himself, but the customers had an unexpected guest welcoming them in Fort Worth ahead of the opening.

Unlike the Los Angeles Lakers legend’s warmth, the weather was harsh with continuous downpours in Fort Worth. Nevertheless, chicken lovers lined up outside the restaurant early in the morning for the first glimpse. Despite the rain, many stood for hours without any protection, knowing fully well of the health complications it might cause. They were just happy to be here.

One of the dozens who braved the rain was Jordan Henderson and her family. These loyal customers pulled out all the stops. Jordan, who spent her 25th birthday in a tent at the restaurant’s drive-thru lane just the day before the opening of the restaurant, was thrilled. “We slept on the ground, we got rained on, so we are soaked and wet in here eating, but it’s a great birthday so far,” Henderson told WFAA. Some customers were so excited that they even forgot to bring their rain gear on their way to the restaurant.

The 4x NBA champion made sure that the customers didn’t leave disappointed. One such satisfied customer was Frank Perez. “To be here is like being close to him and knowing that he supports this chain. I know he’s got a lot of things on his plate,” Perez told the press. 

During the conversation, Perez also shared how he and his wife first tasted Big Chicken during their vacation cruise. Since then, they have become quite fond of it. His family had been waiting all day before the restaurant’s grand opening. The Fort Worth restaurant had undoubtedly been on their list since then. To pass the time, they played dominoes.

As the first customer, Perez was rewarded with a gift card that offered free food at the restaurant for 12 months, limited to $10 each week. Jordan was part of the lucky 34-member list too.

It’s a tradition for the Los Angeles Lakers legend’s Big Chicken grand openings to offer free meals for a year to the first 34 lucky customers. Just like the customers, O’Neal was also influenced by one thing to start the food chain.

Why did Shaquille O’Neal start Big Chicken?

During an interview, the 52-year-old recounted how his mother used to buy chicken at the beginning of the month such that the commissary would give a discount. It was a nod to his mother Lucille O’Neal as well as his father, who always ensured that the O’Neal family had food on the table. 

Speaking of the nostalgic menu that can make anyone reminisce about their childhood, it features Mac & cheese Sandwiches with crispy fried onions, Hot Chicken sandwiches, and many more delicacies for the customers to munch on. Most of these are inspired by O’Neal’s childhood favorites. 

The Big Aristotle launched the food chain in 2018. Its first-ever home was opened in Las Vegas. Since then, the Lakers legend has continued to expand the food chain’s presence all around the country to delight the food lovers. Big Chicken already has been introduced to multiple locations, including homes in New Jersey, and Houston and it will continue to grow.