Shaquille O’Neal is putting the fast in fast-casual dining. The NBA legend’s restaurant chain, Big Chicken narrowed down the latest in the 300 locations being developed across the country. The new store will be the first to bring the signature Big Diesel-inspired menu to the Philadelphia 76ers territory. The very same team Shaq’s TNT frenemy tried to avoid with some drastic measures forty years ago!

Philly cheesesteak-lovers appreciate a good Shaq-size chicken sandwich though. And he’s cementing plans to dominate in Charles Barkley’s old stomping grounds.

Shaquille O’Neal brings big smiles to Pennsylvania

The restauranteurs behind Big Chicken are full steam ahead to open at least 20 units in Pennsylvania. Now Shaquille O’Neal’s happiness-inducing menu has confirmed its first location in the state. Big Chicken will open its first of many units in State College. Local entrepreneurial family led by Harsimrat and Shubreet Sidhu, passed CEO Josh Halpern’s intensive screening process to become Big Chicken franchisees.

If things stay on track, Pennsylvania residents will soon feast on the Big Aristotle and Charles Barkley. Not the NBA legends turned analysts though.

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Shaq has designed the menu with names related to his career and loved ones. Besides his mom, Lucille’s Mac ‘n cheese, there are also dishes like the Big Shamrock and the signature Shaq Sauce. But the biggest hit is the Charles Barkley, a “sloppy” sandwich named after O’Neal’s sloppy friend.

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As per local news outlets, Shaq’s scouts are actively looking for real estate in the State College area. The opening timeline will depend on when they sign a lease, the format and the construction needs. However, the new operators are positive about opening on College Avenue by next year.

Ironically, Shaq’s bringing nostalgia-driven good food and big smiles to the city that Barkley tried to avoid through food. By Chuck’s own admission, he used a hearty meal to avoid the 76ers.

Charles Barkley’s attempt to avoid Philly

Sir Charles’ love-hate relationship with the Philadelphia 76ers has become an infamous legend.

Before the draft, the Sixers had expressed interest in the Auburn Tigers star, Barkley but they were concerned about his weight. Charles shed the extra pounds only to be informed his rookie salary would be $75,000 if the Sixers picked him.

Stunned by the low figure, he decided to squash his own chances with the team the only way he knew – eating. “I tried to eat my way out of Philadelphia,” he said on the New Heights podcast in June 2023.

His eating binge failed miserably. The Round Mound of Rebound ended up with the 76ers for a $2 million contract and spent eight seasons with them. In recent history, he’d still trigger Philly sports fans with his controversial takes.

Shaq is now bringing the mac ‘n cheese stuffed Charles Barkley to the land of the Philly cheesesteak. Perhaps if Big Chicken was around back then, Barkley’s plans would’ve worked!

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