Shaquille O’Neal’s restaurant empire is spreading its wings once again — this time, just a few miles up the road. The first Massachusetts location of Big Chicken, the fast-growing restaurant chain founded by the NBA legend, is relocating from Peabody to Beverly, with plans to reopen in early 2026. BTW, we here at the offices of the ShaqFu Radio blog are still waiting for a Big Chicken location near us. Anywhere in central or north-central Florida would be just fine… Just sayin’
The Peabody spot, located inside the Northshore Mall, originally opened its doors in July 2024 at 210 Andover Street, drawing crowds eager to taste Shaq’s signature mix of bold flavors and big personality. Now, under new management, the restaurant is moving to a new Beverly location, where fans can expect the same high-energy atmosphere and mouthwatering comfort food.
“We are excited to continue serving the North Shore with our BIG flavor and larger-than-life guest experience,” a company spokesperson told MassLive. “In the meantime, we will be focused on connecting with the local community and finding more ways to bring people together through bold food and BIG fun.”
Big Chicken, founded in Los Angeles in 2018, combines Shaq’s love for hearty, home-cooked meals with modern flavor trends. The menu is loaded with personality — from “The Ultimate” chicken sandwich to the fan-favorite “Shaq Attack”, and sides like Cheez-It-crusted mac ‘n’ cheese and thick, creamy milkshakes. Every item reflects O’Neal’s larger-than-life personality and his belief that great food should make people smile.
The move to Beverly won’t slow down Big Chicken’s expansion in Massachusetts. When the Peabody location opened, the company announced plans to roll out at least six more restaurants across the state, including spots in Boston, MetroWest, Cape Cod, and other North Shore areas. For now, Big Chicken’s only other Bay State location is in Wrentham, but with O’Neal’s ambitious growth plans, that won’t be the case for long.
Nationally, Big Chicken has become one of the fastest-growing restaurant chains in America, boasting over 300 locations across dozens of cities — from Las Vegas and Houston to Seattle and Phoenix. The brand has also found homes in arenas, airports, and even aboard Carnival Cruise Line ships, bringing Shaq’s “go big or go home” energy to fans everywhere. And the brand recently crossed the Atlantic, opening its first international location at Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, England.
Shaq has often said that Big Chicken represents more than just food — it’s about creating joy, connection, and community. Whether it’s a family grabbing dinner after a game or travelers stopping in for a quick bite, Big Chicken aims to make every guest feel like part of the team.
With Beverly set to welcome its new Big Chicken in 2026, New England fans will once again get a front-row seat to what happens when Shaq-sized flavor meets hometown hospitality.