Shaq's 'Big Chicken' Opens Tampa Test Kitchen
A test location for Big Chicken, the restaurant chain co-owned by Shaquille O'Neal, is set to open in Tampa. The new spot on West Linebaugh Avenue will serve as a trial site for the company, which is known for its chicken sandwiches and milkshakes.
The Tampa test kitchen is part of a larger strategy to open 45 Big Chicken locations across Florida, an expansion driven by a partnership with DMD Ventures. This hospitality development group is also spearheading openings in Melbourne, Orlando, and Doral. Founded in 2018, the chain's growth is fueled by a franchise model that launched in late 2021. The company had over 40 locations open by early 2026, with a development pipeline of more than 350 restaurants. Beyond Shaquille O'Neal, Big Chicken is owned by a consortium of heavy hitters: JRS Hospitality, brand development firm Authentic Brands Group, and multi-restaurant platform Craveworthy Brands, which became a managing partner in March 2025 to help scale operations. The menu extends far beyond basic sandwiches, featuring items that nod to O'Neal's career. Options include the "Big Aristotle" (with Muenster cheese, crispy onions, and bacon) and the "Shaq Attack" (with pepper jack cheese, coleslaw, and chipotle BBQ sauce). A recent menu refresh introduced "Shaq Snacks," a new category of smaller items featuring a chicken tender on garlic toast with various toppings. One example is the "El Shaquito," which comes with Cholula sauce, elote, and white American cheese. The brand also has a significant presence in non-traditional venues, including UBS Arena in New York, The Moody Center in Austin, and several Carnival Cruise Line ships, using these locations to build brand visibility.
