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Big Chicken on Hixson Pike closes

Staff photo by David Floyd / Big Chicken, a fast casual restaurant chain co-founded by former professional basketball player Shaquille O'Neal, has closed on Hixson Pike. Its location on Broad Street in Chattanooga remains open.
Staff photo by David Floyd / Big Chicken, a fast casual restaurant chain co-founded by former professional basketball player Shaquille O'Neal, has closed on Hixson Pike. Its location on Broad Street in Chattanooga remains open. Staff photo by David Floyd / Big Chicken, a fast casual restaurant chain co-founded by former professional basketball player Shaquille O'Neal, has closed on Hixson Pike. Its location on Broad Street in Chattanooga remains open.

By David Floyd 3 min read

A fried chicken chain co-founded by Hall of Fame basketball star Shaquille O’Neal no longer has a location in Hixson, although its spot on Broad Street in Chattanooga remains open.

A sign posted to the entrance of the now shuttered Big Chicken at 5118 Hixson Pike informs guests the restaurant has stopped operating at that address. It opened in March 2024.

“We have truly appreciated your support and hope to continue to serve you at our 410 Broad St. location,” the message said.

(READ MORE: Growing Mexican restaurant chain El Jinete opens in shuttered O’Charley’s on Hixson Pike)

The business has competed with other chicken restaurants in that vicinity, including a Zaxbys on Hixson Pike and a Popeyes and Raising Cane’s on Highway 153. Popeyes opened in December 2023 and Raising Cane’s in January.