Big Chicken, the fast-casual concept founded by NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, officially opened its doors in State College, Pennsylvania, on Thursday, February 5, 2026. The new location, situated just steps from the Penn State University campus, aims to become a go-to spot for students and locals alike, promising “larger-than-life” flavor and a high-energy sports atmosphere.
The opening marks a significant expansion for the brand in the Keystone State, with this being the first of three planned locations in Pennsylvania. It is owned and operated by the Sidhu family—siblings Harsimrat and Shubreet, and their father, Samarjit.
The Menu: Big Flavor, Big Fun
Located at 480 East College Avenue inside the ōLiv Hetzel building, the restaurant features O’Neal’s childhood favorites reimagined for a modern fast-casual setting. Menu highlights include:
- The Shaq Attack: A signature sandwich stacked with pepper jack cheese, jalapeño slaw, and spicy chipotle BBQ sauce.
- The Ultimate: A massive creation topped with mac & cheese and crispy onion rings.
- Shaq Snacks: A new menu category featuring crispy tenders on garlic toast with various toppings.
- “Big Dip Energy”: A rotating lineup of limited-time dipping sauces, starting with Atomic Ranch.
“State College is the kind of place Big Chicken was made for,” said franchisee Harsimrat Sidhu. “There’s such a vibrant energy here, from game days to late nights on College Avenue.”
A Grand Opening Slam Dunk
To celebrate the launch, Big Chicken offered a “Big” promotion: the first 34 guests in line (a nod to Shaq’s jersey number) who were also rewards members received free Big Chicken for a year (limited to $10 per week).
This location is part of a broader strategy to place the brand in high-traffic, sports-centric hubs.
“The Sidhu’s College Avenue location puts Big Chicken in the heart of a larger-than-life sports community,” said Josh Halpern, CEO of Big Chicken.
Why It Matters
The entry of Big Chicken into State College highlights the growing trend of celebrity-backed fast-casual brands targeting college towns. These markets offer a dense population of young consumers who value convenience, customization, and experience—key pillars of the Big Chicken brand.
For franchise developers and suppliers, this opening signals continued momentum for the “better chicken” category. The brand’s reliance on “bold” and “spicy” flavor profiles (like the new Atomic Ranch) reflects broader consumer demand for high-impact tastes. Furthermore, the Sidhu family’s plan to open additional units in Allentown and Wilkes-Barre indicates a strong regional commitment to the brand, requiring robust local supply chain partnerships.
FAQs
Where is the new Big Chicken in State College?
The restaurant is located at 480 East College Avenue, inside the ōLiv Hetzel building.
What are the hours of operation?
Big Chicken State College is open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m..
Who owns the Big Chicken franchise?
The State College location is owned by the Sidhu family (Harsimrat, Shubreet, and Samarjit), who also plan to open locations in Allentown and Wilkes-Barre.
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