One celebrity-run fried chicken franchise appears to be replacing another.
NBA star Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken franchise has put up a “Coming Soon” sign at a Livonia restaurant at 30130 Plymouth Road. The gray brick building was recently home to celebrity chef and television host Guy Fieri’s fast-casual franchise Chicken Guy, which served fried chicken sandwiches, milkshakes and more there from spring 2023 through June 30.
Chicken Guy’s local partners, Farmington Hills-based Tomey Group, cited “unforeseen circumstances beyond our control” as the reason for the closure.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support we have received from our loyal customers and the local community, as well as our team members and partners who have supported us along the way. We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition for our team members and have offered opportunities in our other business areas,” said a statement sent to media in June.
In August 2023, O’Neal’s Big Chicken brand announced plans to open 20 locations in Michigan. Michigan-based H&D Group Investments signed a franchise agreement with the brand to open restaurants across Michigan. The first Michigan Big Chicken location opened in February at 11476 N. Linden Road in Clio.
Big Chicken – founded in 2018 with locations across the country, including Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Dayton, Ohio, and many sports arenas – serves crispy chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, Cheez-It-crusted mac and cheese, ice cream shakes, and more.
Livonia is also home to other relatively new locations of fast-food and fast-casual fried chicken brands, including Chick-fil-A and Lee’s Famous Recipe, as well as a Chicken Shack and two Wing Snobs. The Detroit News has contacted representatives from Big Chicken for an opening timeline for the Livonia location.
