Food and Beverage
Big Chicken Goes Global: Shaquille O’Neal’s Restaurant Brand Debuts in Honduras
Big Chicken, founded by Shaquille O’Neal, debuts in Honduras with new restaurants in San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba, marking its Central America expansion.
SAN PEDRO SULA & LA CEIBA, Honduras — The global expansion of celebrity-backed dining concepts continues to gain momentum as Shaquille O’Neal brings his fast-growing restaurant brand, Big Chicken, to Central America for the first time.
Founded in 2018, Big Chicken has quickly built a reputation for blending comfort food favorites with bold, modern flavors—and now it’s making its mark in Honduras with the opening of two new locations in San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba.
A Strategic Central American Launch
The new restaurants—located at Plaza Masdeval in San Pedro Sula and Plaza Corvey in La Ceiba—represent a significant milestone in the brand’s international growth strategy. Both cities offer strong economic and cultural appeal:
- San Pedro Sula serves as Honduras’ industrial and commercial hub
- La Ceiba is a vibrant coastal destination known for tourism and Caribbean energy
Together, they provide an ideal entry point for a brand built around high-energy dining and community engagement.
The expansion is led by international franchise operator Thomas Talarico, CEO of BLT UK Holdings Limited, who is spearheading Big Chicken’s rollout across the region. Following Honduras, plans are already in motion for additional locations in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Panama.
What’s on the Menu?
Big Chicken’s Honduras menu delivers the same fan-favorite offerings that have fueled its success in North America, including:
- Signature sandwiches like “The Original” and “The Shaq Attack”
- Crispy chicken tenders and “Dunks” (bite-sized chicken pieces)
- Hand-spun milkshakes and indulgent sides
- New “Shaq Snacks,” featuring tenders paired with garlic toast and bold toppings
In a move tailored to local tastes, the brand also plans to introduce limited-time menu items inspired by Honduran flavors, blending global appeal with regional culinary identity.
Riding the Fast-Casual Boom
Big Chicken’s expansion comes at a time when the Latin American fast-casual dining sector is experiencing rapid growth. Industry projections estimate the market will surpass $70 billion by 2026, driven by increasing demand for convenient, high-quality dining options.
The brand’s strategy—combining recognizable celebrity influence, scalable franchising, and localized menu innovation—positions it well to compete in this evolving market.
More Than Just a Celebrity Brand
While Shaquille O’Neal’s name brings instant recognition, Big Chicken’s leadership emphasizes that its long-term success hinges on more than star power. CEO Josh Halpern highlighted the importance of local partnerships and community-driven experiences as key to the brand’s international growth.
With more than 40 locations already operating across North America and beyond—and dozens more in development—Big Chicken is rapidly evolving into a global fast-casual contender.
The Bigger Picture
From arenas and airports to cruise ships and now Central American city centers, Big Chicken’s footprint continues to expand across diverse markets. Its arrival in Honduras signals not just a new dining option for local communities, but also a broader trend: the globalization of American fast-casual brands with localized twists.
As the brand builds momentum across the Americas, one thing is clear—Big Chicken is betting big on flavor, fun, and international growth.
Related Links
Big Chicken Official Website
Franchise Opportunities
Source
- Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken Touches Down in Central America with Honduras Debut — PR Newswire (Craveworthy Brands), March 18, 2026
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Food and Beverage
4 Daily Brain Health Habits for Better Cognition
Daily Brain Health Habits: Your brain works hard for you, so it’s only fair to return the favor by practicing simple everyday habits to keep this important organ strong and thriving. Start by tweaking your daily routine to focus on these four habits and eating nourishing recipes like California Grape and Sardine Avocado Toast.
4 Daily Brain Health Habits for Better Cognition
(Feature Impact) Your brain works hard for you, so it’s only fair to return the favor by practicing simple everyday habits to keep this important organ strong and thriving.
Start by tweaking your daily routine to focus on these four habits.
Prioritize Sleep
Getting quality sleep is vital for proper brain function. If you find you’ve slipped into the habit of staying up later than you should or notice your sleep being disrupted during the night, those are signs to revisit your sleep hygiene practices. Start by establishing a regular bedtime and wake-up time that will give you the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep. Turn your bedroom into a comfortable refuge from the world – keep it cool and dark, and set up fans or noise machines if you need them to quiet your mind. Avoid consuming caffeine or alcohol too close to bedtime and try switching to a book instead of a screen when it’s time to wind down.
Eat Smart
Just like the rest of the body, the brain is nourished by food. Some of its favorite foods are options rich in healthy fats like fish, avocado, olive oil and nuts, as well as vegetables like leafy greens, which offer carotenoids, and fruits such as grapes, which deliver antioxidants and other polyphenols.
Combine several of these powerful brain-boosting foods at once with this California Grape and Sardine Avocado Toast recipe. The fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and the avocado offers a boost of healthy unsaturated fat, while the grapes add protective dietary flavonols, which may help promote anti-inflammatory and beneficial antioxidant activity.
A study published in the scientific journal “Neurology” found a higher intake of certain flavonols – including three naturally found in grapes – is associated with a 48% decreased risk of developing Alzheimer dementia.
Get Moving
Adding even more proof that what’s good for your body is good for your mind, getting regular exercise is one of the best things you can do for your brain. Motivate yourself by choosing a form of movement you genuinely enjoy, whether it’s a daily walk on a nearby nature trail, a dance class, a bike ride or a heart-pumping workout video.
Challenge Your Mind
Don’t forget to give your brain its own workout, too. Doing something mentally stimulating every day is a great way to keep yourself sharp, and there are plenty of ideas to choose from. Try learning a new language, picking up a musical instrument, playing a mind-engaging card or board game, doing a puzzle, reading a book or immersing yourself in a creative writing or art project. The options are nearly endless, and if you want to make your brain extra happy, you can snack on handfuls of grapes as you enjoy your hobby.
Learn more about the connection between grapes and brain health and discover more recipes by visiting GrapesFromCalifornia.com.
California Grape and Sardine Avocado Toast
Prep time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
- 1 large firm, ripe avocado, halved and pitted
- 4 small slices rustic whole grain bread (1/2-inch thick), toasted or grilled
- 1 individual container sardines in olive oil or water, drained
- 1/2 cup quartered red and black Grapes from California
- Aleppo pepper flakes
- fresh cilantro, snipped
- 1 lemon half
- salt (optional)
- With spoon, scoop avocado out of skin and use fork to coarsely mash.
- Spread onto bread slices and top with whole or torn sardines. Sprinkle grapes over sardines.
- Top with generous sprinkle of Aleppo pepper, cilantro, squeeze of fresh lemon and salt, if desired.
Nutritional information per serving: 290 calories; 11 g protein; 29 g carbohydrates; 16 g fat (50% calories from fat); 2.5 g saturated fat (8% calories from saturated fat); 20 mg cholesterol; 210 mg sodium; 6g fiber.
SOURCE:
California Table Grape Commission
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Every year on the first Friday in August, beer lovers around the world come together to celebrate International Beer Day. In 2026, the celebration falls on Friday, August 7, offering the perfect opportunity to discover new brews, support local breweries, and enjoy time with friends.
Founded in 2007 in Santa Cruz, California, International Beer Day has grown into a global event observed in dozens of countries. The celebration recognizes not only the beverage itself but also the brewers, bartenders, servers, and everyone who helps bring beer from the brewery to your glass.
Whether you’re a fan of crisp lagers, hoppy IPAs, rich stouts, refreshing wheat beers, or adventurous sour ales, International Beer Day is a great excuse to step outside your comfort zone and sample something new. Many breweries and pubs celebrate with special releases, tasting flights, live entertainment, brewery tours, and food pairings.
As the craft beer movement continues to flourish across the United States, this annual celebration is also a reminder of the creativity and community that local breweries bring to neighborhoods large and small.
If you decide to celebrate, remember to drink responsibly, arrange for a designated driver or rideshare if needed, and support your favorite local brewery.
Cheers to International Beer Day!
Related Links
- 4 Daily Brain Health Habits for Better Cognition
Daily Brain Health Habits: Your brain works hard for you, so it’s only fair to return the favor by practicing simple everyday habits to keep this important organ strong and thriving. Start by tweaking your daily routine to focus on these four habits and eating nourishing recipes like California Grape and Sardine Avocado Toast. - Raise a Glass: Celebrate International Beer Day on August 7
Every year on the first Friday in August, beer lovers around the world come together to celebrate International Beer Day. In 2026, the celebration falls on Friday, August 7, offering the perfect opportunity to discover new brews, support local breweries, and enjoy time with friends. Founded in 2007 in Santa Cruz, California, International Beer Day has grown into a… Read more: Raise a Glass: Celebrate International Beer Day on August 7 - Protein-Packed Snacking for Back-to-School Season
Back-to-School Season: As busy families prepare for hectic school days, it can be invaluable to have nutritious grab-and-go options on hand for lunches and snacks. Having one less thing to worry about makes a difference when you’re juggling work, school, sports practices and games, and other extracurriculars while trying to keep everyone fed and happy. - 5 Tips to Make Hosting Easy and Fun
From celebratory parties to casual get-togethers, hosting is a wonderful way to bring people together, share laughs and make memories. Of course, planning and hosting can be quite a bit of work, so a little preparation can go a long way to ensure an enjoyable time for everyone, including the host. - The Nutrient-Packed Fruit Families are Adding to Their Fruit Bowls
Busy families are looking for snacks that do more than simply satisfy hunger – they want foods that deliver great taste along with meaningful nutrition. Nutrient-Packed Fruit? For a fresh twist on breakfast, brunch or an afternoon snack, try this Kiwi and Whipped Feta Toast.
🍽️ Love discovering great food and drink? Join the conversation! Share your thoughts in the comments and subscribe to the STM Daily News Food and Drink newsletter for the latest recipes, restaurant news, food trends, and culinary stories delivered straight to your inbox.
Food and Beverage
Protein-Packed Snacking for Back-to-School Season
Back-to-School Season: As busy families prepare for hectic school days, it can be invaluable to have nutritious grab-and-go options on hand for lunches and snacks. Having one less thing to worry about makes a difference when you’re juggling work, school, sports practices and games, and other extracurriculars while trying to keep everyone fed and happy.
Last Updated on August 6, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Protein-Packed Snacking for Back-to-School Season
(Feature Impact) As busy families prepare for hectic school days, it can be invaluable to have nutritious grab-and-go options on hand for lunches and snacks. Having one less thing to worry about makes a difference when you’re juggling work, school, sports practices and games, and other extracurriculars while trying to keep everyone fed and happy.
Watch this video to learn more
Since protein is an important nutrient for energy and satiety, choosing options like PB2Go Cups could be the perfect solution. As the pioneer of powdered peanut butter, PB2 has made it more portable than ever with the introduction of their new, on-the-go cups.
With 10-11 grams of protein per cup, they’re easy to toss in a lunchbox or backpack, offering a convenient way to keep your family powered up through the afternoon. Simply add water to the fill line, stir with the built-in spoon and enjoy the Original or Chocolate Chip flavors on their own or as a dip with pretzels, crackers, apple slices or bananas for more flavor and fun during your snack break.
“Between packed lunches, busy schedules, and after-school activities, convenient protein options are a game changer,” said registered dietitian Mia Syn, a food and nutrition expert. “That’s why I love PB2Go Cups. With a built-in spoon in the lid, they’re ready to toss in a lunch box, backpack, or gym bag and enjoy wherever the day takes you.”
Whether you’re tackling early-morning school prep or searching for a ready-when-you-are snack to keep in your locker, powdered peanut butter is a healthy, satisfying choice. No stress and no mess makes for a winning combination, and families who value balanced nutrition will appreciate having a quick, pre-portioned source of protein on hand when their schedules are full.
For more information, visit PB2.com.
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