Shaq is opening first-ever Big Chicken restaurant in Toronto

A restaurant chain founded by NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal is officially opening its first Toronto location this month.

Big Chicken, the fast-casual restaurant brand founded by the basketball superstar, is bringing its famous crispy chicken sandwiches to Etobicoke.

The new restaurant is expected to open on Nov. 16 in the West Humber-Clairville neighbourhood, near Woodbine Casino.
Founded in 2018, Big Chicken takes inspiration from O’Neal’s favourite childhood comfort foods.

The restaurant is known for its oversized chicken sandwiches, tenders, fries, mac and cheese and milkshakes. Popular menu items include The Original, made with crispy chicken, pickles and the restaurant’s signature BC sauce, and the Shaq Attack, featuring BBQ sauce and coleslaw. Another popular option is The Ultimate, a chicken sandwich topped with mac and cheese and onion rings.

Big Chicken first arrived in Canada in November 2025, opening its first Canadian location inside Hamilton’s TD Coliseum. The Hamilton restaurant also introduced a Canadian-exclusive sandwich called Shaq’s Spicy Maple Crunch, featuring hot maple honey flavours. The brand has expanded across the United States and internationally, including locations in sports arenas, casinos and entertainment venues.

The expansion into Toronto follows earlier plans the company announced to bring more Big Chicken restaurants to the Greater Toronto Area.

Big Chicken is expected to open at 150 Silver Reign Dr., Unit B5.2, in Etobicoke on Nov. 16.