• Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken opens its first Tampa Bay location in Westchase on June 16, featuring bold, comfort-style fried chicken.
• The menu offers unique sandwiches like the Nashville-hot Uncle Jerome and Cheez-It® crusted mac & cheese, made with preservative-free chicken.
• Local franchise partners emphasize community and family values. They aim to bring big flavors and high energy to Tampa’s growing fast-casual scene.

Fans of crispy chicken and larger-than-life personalities have something new to celebrate in Tampa Bay. NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal is bringing his fast-casual restaurant concept, Big Chicken, to Westchase. The opening is set for June 16. Located at 8725 West Linebaugh Avenue, this marks the first Big Chicken spot in the Tampa Bay area. It promises to add a flavorful punch to the local dining scene.

A Crispy New Contender in Tampa’s Food Scene

Big Chicken couldn’t have arrived at a better time. The chicken restaurant market is booming nationwide, and Tampa is no exception. Sam Reddy, one of the local franchise partners, recalls how the team fell in love with the brand. “Last year, we flew to Las Vegas to try the food ourselves. The moment we bit into the crispy chicken with Nashville-hot heat on the Uncle Jerome sandwich, we were sold. It was a game-changer,” he said. That enthusiasm is contagious—and it signals the impact Big Chicken could have on Tampa’s competitive food scene.

The new restaurant sits near West Park Village, a bustling retail and lifestyle hub, nestled among pedestrian-friendly town centers. The team chose Westchase deliberately—a community that prioritizes family and togetherness—and Big Chicken plans to reflect those values in its brand and food.

Shaq’s Vision: Comfort Food with a Punch

Shaquille O’Neal isn’t just a retired basketball legend – he’s built an empire spanning music, business, and food. In 2018, he co-founded Big Chicken with partners JRS Hospitality and Authentic Brands Group, channeling his love for comfort food with a modern twist. The restaurant embodies Shaq’s personality: welcoming, fun, and packed with bold flavors.

Sam Reddy, co-owner of the Tampa location, emphasizes this connection to community. “Big Chicken was created with the idea that comfort food brings people together. We’re proud to open in Westchase because it’s a place where family values run deep. The energy matches what we want our restaurant to feel like,” he said. The team behind the Tampa franchise is eager to build a local staff. They want a team that shares this spirit and serves up dishes with both flavor and heart.

What to Expect on the Menu

The menu at Big Chicken is an adventure for the taste buds. It takes classic Southern comfort food and cranks it up with bold twists. The signature sandwiches alone offer a variety of mouthwatering choices, including:

• Big & Sloppy: Creamy mac & cheese, crispy fried onions, and roasted garlic BBQ aioli stacked on perfectly fried chicken.
• Uncle Jerome: A spicy Nashville hot chicken sandwich topped with fresh lettuce, mayo, and pickles.
• Shaq Attack: A fiery combo with pepper jack cheese, jalapeño slaw, and smoky chipotle BBQ sauce.
• Fried Chicken Sliders: Mini sandwiches served “SHAQ’S WAY” with white American cheese and ketchup.
• Chicago Sammie: Featuring buffalo hot sauce, blue cheese, mayo, and slaw for a tangy, spicy kick.

For dessert, diners can indulge in Grandma’s Banana Pudding—a banana pudding ice cream served with a crunchy vanilla wafer cookie. It offers a sweet and nostalgic finish.

To accompany the food, Big Chicken offers hand-crafted shakes made with premium California dairy. They also offer frosty root beer from Big Dog’s Brewing Company. Their mac & cheese even comes with a Cheez-It® crust, blending comfort and creativity in every bite.

All chicken served at Big Chicken is “The Naked Truth” brand. It is preservative-free, antibiotic-free, and humanely raised—a selling point. This appeals to health-conscious and ethically minded consumers.

Shaq’s Tampa Connection Fuels Expansion Plans

Shaquille O’Neal’s bond with Tampa is well-known. Over the years, the city has embraced the NBA star. Now he’s returning the favor with a growing restaurant empire. Josh Halpern, CEO of Big Chicken, praises the local franchise owners Sunny Movva, Sammath, and Amulya Reddy. He describes them as the perfect team to represent the brand in Westchase.

“They bring passion, leadership, and a genuine understanding of what Big Chicken stands for—big flavors, big energy, and a welcoming vibe that makes you feel like anything’s possible,” Halpern said. He also highlighted Shaq’s infectious enthusiasm. Adding with a smile, “As Shaquille would say, ‘CAN YOU DIG IT, TAMPA!?’”

Looking ahead, Big Chicken aims to expand further across Florida. They are riding the wave of popularity from its unique blend of bold taste and warm hospitality. This opening in Westchase is just the beginning. Locals are eager to see how this new hotspot shakes up the fast-casual dining scene.

Community Buzz and Public Reaction

Since the announcement of Big Chicken’s arrival, the local community has been buzzing with anticipation. Social media posts flood with excitement from chicken lovers, foodies, and Shaq fans alike. Some express curiosity over how the restaurant will stand out amid Tampa’s already thriving food options. Others highlight the promise of fresh, ethically sourced chicken as a major draw.

However, as with any new restaurant opening, not everyone is sold just yet. Some locals wonder if the hype will translate to consistent quality and service. The competition in the Tampa Bay area’s food scene is fierce. Established chicken chains and independent eateries are vying for attention. The pressure is on for Big Chicken to live up to its bold branding and Shaq’s star power.

Still, many believe the combination of Shaq’s charisma, community-focused franchise owners, and a crave-worthy menu will win over even the skeptics. With an opening just days away, all eyes are on Westchase. They want to see if Big Chicken can deliver a crispy victory.

Big Chicken’s arrival in Westchase marks an exciting new chapter for Tampa’s food lovers. With a menu packed full of bold flavors, a commitment to quality ingredients, and the backing of an NBA icon, this fast-casual restaurant is set to make a big splash. Whether you’re a die-hard Shaq fan or just someone who loves good fried chicken, Big Chicken promises a meal that’s as fun as it is flavorful. So mark your calendars for June 16 and get ready to dig in—Tampa’s newest chicken sensation is here to stay.