Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken opens first metro Detroit restaurant in Livonia

NBA star Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken is continuing its expansion into Michigan. The fried chicken chain is opening a new location in Livonia on October 15.

Located at 30130 Plymouth Rd., the new restaurant will be the chain’s third in Michigan and its first in metro Detroit, following earlier openings in Clio and Hartland this year. It’s locally owned and operated by Hafaid Gobah and H&D Group Investments.

“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,” Gobah said in a press release. “Our goal isn’t just to serve mouthwatering chicken sandwiches but to create moments that make people smile and bring friends and families together. Whether you’re a fan of Shaq or just love to have fun and eat well, we’re ready to deliver guests an unforgettable experience.”

To celebrate the grand opening, the first 34 guests in line will receive $10 worth of free food from Big Chicken every week for a year, a tribute to O’Neal’s iconic jersey number, which was retired in 2012.

The Livonia location will feature new menu items, including Dunks — savory boneless chicken pieces that are larger than nuggets but smaller than tenders — and traditional wings with sauces like Buffalo, Lemon Pepper, Memphis BBQ, or Thai Chili. Guests can also enjoy classic Big Chicken offerings inspired by O’Neal’s childhood favorites, such as The Ultimate sandwich, packed with mac & cheese and crispy fried onions, and Uncle Jerome’s Nashville Hot Chicken sandwich topped with lettuce, mayo, and pickles.

“We heard the demand for a Big Chicken location in Metro Detroit, and Hafaid and his incredible team at H&D Group Investments worked to make it happen,” Josh Halpern, CEO of Big Chicken, said in a statement. “Hafaid has been an active member of our franchise system, and our recent discussions at our national meeting have only strengthened our excitement about bringing this opportunity to Detroit. Community involvement is essential to us, and I know their team is dedicated to creating lasting relationships while serving smiles to everyone who walks through our doors.”

As part of a 20-unit development agreement, H&D Group Investments plans to expand Big Chicken across more communities in metro Detroit and beyond in the coming years, with locations planned for Ann Arbor, Lansing, Flint, Saginaw, and Mount Pleasant.

More information about Big Chicken can be found at bigchicken.com.

See photos of the new location and its offerings below.