News Summary
Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken restaurant has closed in Peabody, Massachusetts, just a year after its opening. The first Massachusetts location has been removed from the Northshore Mall directory, and reports indicate it is unlikely to reopen. This closure is part of a broader trend of challenges faced by the brand, despite ongoing expansion efforts and other openings like the one in Tampa. The closure is seen as a disappointment for fans and reflects changes in the local dining landscape.
Peabody, Massachusetts – Shaquille O’Neal’s fast-casual restaurant, Big Chicken, has closed its doors at Northshore Mall just one year after its grand opening in 2024. The Peabody location was the first for Big Chicken in Massachusetts, and the closure has been confirmed by a spokesperson for the mall, with the restaurant’s listing already removed from the directory. Reports indicate that Big Chicken is unlikely to reopen in this location.
Under the franchise’s expansion plans, which originally included a second location in North Beverly, the closure marks a disappointing turn for fans of the restaurant. Big Chicken, founded in 2018 by O’Neal, focuses on serving his home-cooked childhood favorites. The restaurant is known for its generous portion sizes and creatively named menu items, including the popular “Shaq Attack” sandwich and the “Charles Barkley” sandwich.
O’Neal, a four-time NBA champion and Hall of Fame player, concluded his professional basketball career with the Boston Celtics. Since its inception, the Big Chicken brand has been expanding continually, currently boasting over 350 locations in development across the United States. However, the brand is facing challenges, evidenced by several closures, including issues with locations in Texas and Florida.
The franchise has also seen success with new openings, including one in Tampa, Florida, demonstrating a mix of progress and setbacks in its growth strategy. Big Chicken partnered with Craveworthy Brands to further its ambitious plans, becoming part of a larger restaurant group with co-owners such as JRS Hospitality and Authentic Brands Group.
In addition to his restaurant ventures, O’Neal is involved with a range of franchises, including Auntie Anne’s, Five Guys, Papa John’s, and Krispy Kreme. Outside the business realm, he is recognized for his philanthropic efforts, having donated thousands of shoes and provided electronics to underserved communities.
As Big Chicken moves on from its Peabody location, the community will now see a shift in the local food landscape. Changes are also taking place in the surrounding area, as local establishments adapt to the evolving market. For example, during the Oktoberfest season, events are hosted at Jack’s Abby in Framingham, featuring new brews from local breweries, indicating an ongoing interest in vibrant food and drink culture in Massachusetts.
While the closure of Big Chicken in Peabody comes as a disappointment to many, its founding by a sports icon like Shaquille O’Neal helped place the restaurant in the limelight. The future development of the Big Chicken brand remains to be seen as it continues to navigate the complexities of the restaurant industry.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Patch: Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken Closes in Peabody
- Franchise Wire: Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken Grows
- BET: Big Chicken Expands as Shaquille O’Neal Builds Franchise Empire
- Afrotech: Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken Franchise is Booming
- AZ Family: Shaq Cutout Stolen from Gilbert Chicken Restaurant
- Wikipedia: Shaquille O’Neal
- Google Search: Big Chicken Shaquille O’Neal
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fast Food
- Google News: Big Chicken
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
