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.

Published

2 months ago

April 9, 2026

Daily News Staff

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.

Two sandwiches with toppings on tray. Big Chicken — Big Chicken officially opened its doors at Plaza Masdeval on Boulevard Mackey in San Pedro Sula and Plaza Corvey in La Ceiba this month, marking the Brand’s debut in Honduras.

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.