Big Chicken to Open New Location Where Another Fried Chicken Brand Has Failed

Chicken comes, chicken goes. Shaq O Neal's Big Chicken is opening in the former Guy Fieri’s Chicken Guy in Livonia.

Xiao daCunha
Written By Xiao daCunha
News Writer
Photo: Official

Guy Fieri’s Chicken Guy has closed at 30130 Plymouth Rd in Livonia on June 30. Soon after, a “coming soon” sign for Shaq O’Neal’s Big Chicken can be seen on the front. This news was reported by a few different outlets.

According to Detroit News, Chicken Guy’s Michigan partner, Tomey Group, cited “unforeseen circumstances beyond our control” as the reason behind the closure. The restaurant had a successful run since spring 2023.

Shaq O’Neal’s Big Chicken inked a deal with multi-unit franchisee H&D Group Investments to open 20 locations in East Michigan last year. The first Michigan location opened in Clio this February at 11476 N. Linden Rd. Hafaid Gobah, CEO of H&D Group Investments, is also other owner for the upcoming Livonia location.

What Now Detroit reached out to Gobah for an anticipated opening time frame but hadn’t heard back by the time of this coverage. Established in 2018, Shaq O’Neal’s Big Chicken currently has 34 standalone restaurants and arena locations throughout the country.

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Xiao daCunha is an independent journalist covering hospitality, arts, culture, and community. Holding a BA in English Creative Writing from the University of Missouri - Kansas City, daCunha has contributed for various prestigious outlets including the Eater, TimeOut Chicago, the Chicago Reader, KCUR 98.3, and was formerly Managing Editor at UrbanMatter Chicago. She also maintains a personal column where she writes about art, movies, and cultural criticism.
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