Shaquille O'Neal's Big Chicken is set to open its first Massachusetts location at the Northshore Mall in Peabody in the coming weeks.
First Big Chicken Opening in Massachusetts
Masslive reported that the new Big Chicken store will open at the Northshore Mall at 210 Andover St. in Peabody on Wednesday, July 10.
In honor of the store's grand opening, the first 36 people in line will get free Big Chicken food and drinks for an entire year, a nod to Shaquille O'Neal's jersey number with the Boston Celtics. The offer is limited to $10 a week.
Owner Paul Bains mentioned in a press release that they are most excited to see the community's reaction when they try the menu items for the first time.
The first Big Chicken in Massachusetts is sentimental for CEO Josh Halpern, who lived in Boston in the early 2000s.
Halpern expressed in the press release that this community has held a special place in his heart since his time at P&G, Clorox, and Babson College. He added that it has been a surreal experience to see this journey come full circle with their latest opening at the Northshore Mall.
According to Patch, the Peabody location is hiring for hourly and management positions.
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Excitement Builds for Shaquille O'Neal's Big Chicken
Big Chicken, a restaurant franchise chain founded in 2018, offers takeout and dine-in chicken sandwiches, meals, and ice cream shakes.
The menu reflects the home-cooked favorites from Shaquille O'Neal's childhood and aims to give diners a glimpse into his life and personality.
Shaquille O'Neal, a four-time NBA champion and Hall of Fame basketball player ended his illustrious career with the Boston Celtics.
Bains, the Big Chicken in Peabody co-owner, shared his enthusiasm about building an outstanding team for the chain's first Massachusetts location.
He plans to develop six locations across the state with his partner, Ryan Corcoran, who recounted how a podcast about Shaquille O'Neal inspired him to reach out and start the franchise.
He noted that the leadership team has been very welcoming, creating the same supportive atmosphere he and Ryan aim to foster at their Northshore Mall location.
Big Chicken's Expanding Menu
Big Chicken includes a variety of chicken-based dishes. The menu features items like "The Ultimate," "Uncle Jerome's Nashville Hot," and the "Original Big Chicken" sandwich, per the food chain's website.
Patrons can enjoy BBQ-flavored options, crispy chicken grilled cheese, and the "Shaq Attack" sandwich.
For those preferring smaller bites, popcorn chicken and chicken tenders are available. The menu also includes salads like the Caesar and Cobb, catering to various tastes and preferences.
Moreover, it also features a variety of sides to complement its main dishes. These include Crinkle Cut Fries, Dirty Fries topped with cheese sauce, bacon, and banana peppers, Lucille's Mac N' Cheese with a Cheez-It crust, and a Jalapeño Slaw dressed with smokey vinaigrette and cilantro.
The restaurant also offers a delightful range of desserts that cater to sweet cravings. On the menu, customers can find a variety of shakes and sundaes.
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