Big Chicken Closes Multiple Locations Amid Expansion Challenges
Shaquille O'Neal's fast-food chain, Big Chicken, has closed several locations in key markets including Tennessee and Texas. The closures include two sites in Chattanooga and Hixson as well as five units across Houston and other parts of the state. These shutdowns signal a slowdown in expansion for the Las Vegas-based brand, which had aimed to open over 200 U.S. locations by now. Big Chicken opened its first restaurant in October 2018 but has struggled to meet growth targets despite being part of a popular fast-food subsector—fried chicken chains—which saw increased consumer traffic compared to other concepts in 2025, according to market research firm Circana. The chain currently operates 41 locations across the U.S., with additional units on Carnival cruise ships and international markets like Honduras, Canada, and the UK. The closures reflect operational difficulties rather than a decline in consumer interest for fried chicken concepts overall. Big Chicken remains active but has not commented publicly on its strategy or financial performance.