Livonia Welcomes a New Fried Chicken Franchise
Exciting changes are on the horizon for Livonia as a new fast-casual fried chicken joint is gearing up to take its place, replacing the recently closed Chicken Guy franchise run by foodie favorite Guy Fieri. The location, at 30130 Plymouth Road, now proudly displays a ‘Coming Soon’ sign for NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken franchise, stirring up a buzz around town.
The Transition From Chicken Guy to Big Chicken
Chicken Guy had only been serving the Livonia community for a brief window from spring 2023 until June 30 of this year. Despite its short-lived presence, local partners from the Farmington Hills-based Tomey Group shared their gratitude, stating, “We are incredibly grateful for the patronage we have received from our loyal customers and the local community, and for our team members and partners who have supported us through this journey.” They cited “unforeseen circumstances beyond our control” for the closure, but promised a smooth transition for their employees, offering them opportunities in their other businesses.
Big Chicken Arrives in Michigan
Meanwhile, Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken brand is gearing up for a big splash in Michigan, with plans to open a whopping 20 locations statewide! The franchise is in collaboration with the Michigan-based H&D Group Investments, and the first Big Chicken spot opened earlier this year in Clio, at 11476 N. Linden Road. Reports confirm that both the Clio and Livonia locations are under the umbrella of local owner Hafaid Gobah.
What is Big Chicken?
So, what exactly can hungry customers expect from Big Chicken? Founded in 2018, this franchise has quickly become a go-to destination for fried chicken enthusiasts across the country, with locations in major cities like Las Vegas and Los Angeles, as well as several sports arenas. Their menu boasts an array of mouthwatering selections, including crispy chicken sandwiches, tantalizing chicken tenders, Cheez-It crusted mac and cheese, and perennially popular ice cream shakes. Sounds like a real treat, right?
Fried Chicken Scene in Livonia
Livonia isn’t just stepping up its chicken game with Big Chicken. The city already hosts a plethora of fast-food and fast-casual fried chicken spots, including Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken and Wings, the well-known Chick-fil-A, and Lee’s Famous Recipe. Not to mention, there are also Chicken Shack and not just one, but two Wing Snobs! It seems that fried chicken in Livonia is definitely on the rise.
What This Means for Local Chicken Lovers
This transition from Chicken Guy to Big Chicken marks a significant moment for food lovers in Livonia. With recognizable names in the culinary world staking their claim in the area, residents can expect a feast of flavors and choices in the fried chicken domain. Shaquille O’Neal, a man known for his fun-loving personality and larger-than-life presence, will surely bring something special to the local food scene.
Final Thoughts
As Livonia prepares for the arrival of Big Chicken, residents are invited to keep their eyes peeled for the grand opening. Will the NBA star’s fried chicken go head-to-head with existing options, or will it emerge as the new crowd favorite? Only time will tell, and in the meantime, chicken lovers are certainly in for a delightful treat ahead. Stay tuned for updates as this juicy story unfolds!
Author: STAFF HERE PLYMOUTH WRITER
The PLYMOUTH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPlymouth.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Plymouth, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Plymouth Ice Festival, Art in the Park, and the Plymouth Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Plymouth Community Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Plymouth, plus leading businesses in automotive and retail that power the local economy such as Roush Industries and Downtown Plymouth businesses. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HERENovi.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
