Livonia Welcomes a Flavorful Addition with Big Chicken!
Excitement is in the air in Livonia as a brand-new chicken joint is about to open its doors! Get ready for Big Chicken, a fun and flavorful eatery backed by none other than basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal. This vibrant establishment, which promises to bring some “Big Flavor and Big Fun,” is the third location in Michigan, following successful openings in Clio and Hartland.
Grand Opening Plans
The grand opening is set for Tuesday at 11 a.m., and the first 34 lucky customers in line will get a year’s worth of free food and drinks from Big Chicken! This special treat is a nod to O’Neal’s famous No. 34 jersey from his time with the L.A. Lakers. Just a heads up, though—the offer is capped at $10 worth of food each week, so it’s limited but still an amazing deal!
A New Twist in an Old Space
Interestingly, this location has a history; it used to be home to Chicken Guy, a restaurant owned by celebrity chef Guy Fieri. The Chicken Guy venue closed last June due to “unforeseen circumstances,” paving the way for Big Chicken to take its place. The neighborhood isn’t new to chicken lovers either, with nearby spots like Chick-Fil-A and Lee’s Famous Chicken.
What Makes Big Chicken Special?
So, what’s on the menu at Big Chicken? The chain aims to blend O’Neal’s childhood favorites with modern, trendy flavors, creating an experience that goes beyond just food. The star of the menu is, of course, the chicken sandwich, available in grilled or crispy options. Sandwich prices range from $6.59 to $9.29, while combos with crinkle-cut fries and a drink land between $9.99 and $13.28. You can find choices like the Original sandwich topped with Big Chicken sauce and pickles, or the Ultimate sandwich adorned with mac and cheese, crispy fried onions, and Big Chicken sauce. Yes, please!
During a recent tasting event, the Original sandwich stood out for its hearty size and a delightful crunch, while the Ultimate impressed many with its perfect combination of flavors. Another highlight was the chicken tenders, praised for being incredibly moist and not overly breaded—a true winner!
Other Delicious Offerings
For those wanting something different, how about a crispy chicken grilled cheese? Priced at $10.49, this satisfying sandwich includes three types of cheese and spicy chipotle barbecue sauce, all nestled in rustic Italian bread. Big Chicken is also introducing chicken wings in tempting flavors like buffalo, lemon pepper, Memphis BBQ, and Thai chili. There’s something for everyone!
Sweet Treats to Savor
Don’t forget to save room for dessert! Their milkshakes are equally as enticing and come in creative flavors such as peanut butter chip, salted caramel, cookies and cream, and strawberry. One unique offering is the Frosted Flakes Shake, combining vanilla ice cream topped with crushed Frosted Flakes and a dollop of whipped cream. It’s a sweet spin you won’t want to miss!
Building Community Connections
Hafaid Gobah, who operates all three Big Chicken locations in Michigan through his company H&D Group Investments, expressed enthusiasm about the new opening. He noted, “We’re beyond excited to share Big Chicken with even more metro Detroit residents and to be part of a community where we can make meaningful connections with our guests.” His vision emphasizes creating moments that bring people together, making dining not just a meal but a shared experience.
A Big Future Ahead
The establishment is not just stopping at Livonia; Gobah has plans for a total of 20 locations across Michigan, including places like Ann Arbor, Lansing, Flint, Saginaw, and Mount Pleasant. With over 40 locations open already and hundreds more in development, Big Chicken is geared up for significant growth both in the U.S. and beyond!
Final Thoughts
Get ready, Livonia! Whether you’re in the mood for a delicious chicken sandwich, crispy tenders, or a wicked milkshake, Big Chicken is set to open and bring some major flavor to the area. Mark your calendars, and be among the first to experience all the fun and deliciousness that Big Chicken has to offer!
