LAKE CITY, Fla. — NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal, more notably known as Shaq, is adding a location to his restaurant chain in Lake City.
His restaurant, 'Big Chicken,' will open at 228 Southwest Centurion Ct. in "early 2024," as no official date has been set yet for its grand opening, according to the restaurant's website. The Lake City restaurant is among three Florida locations opening in 2024 — locations in Orlando and Doral will open mid-year.
Panhandle Restaurant Group (PRG Brands) from Panama City, Fla., is the franchisee of the Lake City location, permits indicate. Big Chicken is currently located in, or has planned openings in 16 states, as well as on Carnival Cruise Line ships: Celebration, Jubilee, Radiance and Mardi Gras.
Big Chicken was founded in 2018 by O'Neal, JRS Hospitality, a Las Vegas-based ownership group, and Authentic Brands Group, "a multi-national, multi-billion-dollar brand development, marketing and entertainment company," according to its website. The website states that Big Chicken fuses O'Neal's home-cooked childhood favorites with today's trending flavors.
"Each menu item tells a story all while offering guests an inside look into the life and personality of Shaquille O’Neal," the website states.
The restaurant's menu will feature items ranging from various chicken sandwiches to chicken tenders, jalapeño slaw, macaroni and cheese, salads, deserts and more.
Big Chicken will be in a 3,409 square-foot building, sitting on a 1.06-acre property with 102 seats. Furthermore, the eatery will offer dine-in and take-out services, including plans for a drive-thru.
So, can you dig it?
