Shaq-affiliated chicken restaurant to open in Houston: 'Our efforts over the last several months have all culminated in this exciting moment'

Before Shaquille O’Neal became one of the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) most dominant players, he was honing his craft in Texas. 

More than 30 years, four NBA titles and a Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame enshrinement later, the 50-year-old O'Neal, famously known as "Shaq," is returning to the Lone Star State with his fast-casual restaurant brand, “Big Chicken,” with the first branch to open in Houston.

Houston CBS affiliate KHOU reported that the Bayou City location will take up residency on Westheimer Road near the South Gessner Road intersection.

It’ll be among the 50 Big Chicken franchises and is expected to open sometime soon, according to the station.

The International Franchise Association (IFA) website reported that ground has been broken on the Houston eatery.

Fazil Malik, Frank Malik and Noordin Jhaver are the Galleria-area franchise’s co-owners.

“Our efforts over the last several months have all culminated in this exciting moment,” Fazil Malik said, per the IFA report. “When seeking new opportunities, we knew we needed to partner with a brand that matched the vibrant spirit of Texas, and Shaquille O’Neal’s bold, colorful Big Chicken fit the bill. We’re thrilled to be debuting our first of many restaurants in Houston.”

KHOU reported that Big Chicken’s menu consists of chicken sandwiches, tenders and popcorn chicken, with certain items bearing names of friends and family members.

O'Neal, a graduate of Cole High School in San Antonio, played in the NBA for 19 seasons after the Orlando Magic first took him out of Louisiana State University (LSU) in 1992.

According to Pro Basketball Reference, O'Neal averaged nearly 24 points and over 10 rebounds through 1,207 games.

He played for the Magic, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Miami Heat, the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Phoenix Suns and the Boston Celtics.

O'Neal won three consecutive NBA championships with the Lakers while paired up with the late Kobe Bryant and another title with the Heat.

Eater Houston reported that the Big Chicken that’ll open at 9660 Westheimer Road, Suite No. 250 won’t be the last in Texas’ largest city.

A spokesperson told the website that Houston will be home to more.