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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Last Updated on April 29, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Summer snacking just got a little sweeter. Little Bites® Snacks has announced the return of its limited-edition Little Bites® S’mores Muffins, giving families a simple way to enjoy the nostalgic flavor of a classic campfire dessert without needing a fire pit.
Inspired by the familiar combination of graham cracker and chocolate, these soft-baked mini muffins are designed to capture the cozy taste of s’mores in a portable, ready-to-eat format. Made with ingredients like graham flour and milk chocolate, the muffins offer a sweet, fluffy bite that fits perfectly into busy summer routines.
According to Rielly Whims, Brand Manager for Little Bites® Snacks, the product reflects the brand’s focus on bringing joy to everyday moments. With the return of S’mores Muffins, families can enjoy a fun, convenient snack that delivers the flavor of summer in an easy, grab-and-go pouch.
A Seasonal Treat Made for On-the-Go Moments
Little Bites® S’mores Muffins are positioned as an ideal snack for the season’s most memorable moments. Whether it’s a backyard hangout, a long road trip, a day at the beach, or a quick poolside break, the muffins are designed to bring a little extra sweetness to summer activities.
Their pre-portioned pouches also make them especially appealing for families looking for convenient snack options that are easy to pack, share, and enjoy anywhere.
Available for a Limited Time
The seasonal muffins are available now at major retailers nationwide while supplies last. As part of the broader Little Bites® lineup, the returning flavor adds a playful, nostalgic twist to the brand’s portfolio of baked snacks.
For Little Bites fans, the return of S’mores Muffins is a timely reminder that some of the best summer flavors do not need a campfire to be enjoyed. With familiar ingredients, portable packaging, and limited-time availability, this seasonal snack is set to be a fun addition to summer shopping lists.
About the Brand
Little Bites® is part of the Entenmann’s® family, a well-known name in baked goods with more than a century of baking heritage. Entenmann’s® operates under Bimbo Bakeries USA, one of the leading baking companies in the country, known for its wide portfolio of household brands and large-scale national distribution.
Together, that backing gives Little Bites® strong brand recognition and broad retail reach, helping seasonal launches like S’mores Muffins find their way into stores across the U.S. just in time for summer.
Related Links
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Visit the Food and Drink section on STM Daily News for the latest food news, beverage trends, restaurant stories, seasonal recipes, culinary events, and community-driven lifestyle coverage.
recipes
Lay Down a Picnic Blanket and Sip on a Sweet Beverage
Sweet Beverage: Salty snacks and savory sandwiches may fill you up at your next springtime picnic, but no family trip to the park is complete without a sweet, refreshing drink to wash it all down. This Picnic Cherry Limeade is made easily from the comfort of home before being transported (in a non-spill container, of course) to the picnic table or blanket.
Lay Down a Picnic Blanket and Sip on a Sweet Beverage
(Feature Impact) Salty snacks and savory sandwiches may fill you up at your next springtime picnic, but no family trip to the park is complete without a sweet, refreshing drink to wash it all down. Stay cool and keep the fun going with a light sip that showcases the taste of the season.
This Picnic Cherry Limeade is easy to make from the comfort of home before being transported (in a non-spill container, of course) to the picnic table or blanket. Just don’t forget the cups and ice.
Find more refreshing beverage ideas by visiting Culinary.net.
Picnic Cherry Limeade
Recipe adapted from “Southern Living”
Total time: 5 minutes
Servings: 10
- 1 jar (10 ounces) whole red maraschino cherries, chilled
- 6 limes, divided
- 1 bottle (2 liters) lemon-lime soda, chilled
- 1/2 cup tart cherry juice, chilled
- Drain maraschino cherries, reserving syrup. Set whole cherries aside.
- Juice four limes to yield 1/2 cup juice; thinly slice remaining limes.
- In large pitcher, stir cherry syrup, lime juice, soda and tart cherry juice. Add lime slices.
- Transfer to container with tight-fitting lid for transport. Serve over ice and garnish with reserved whole cherries.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/
recipes
Say ‘Yes, Please’ to The Grilled Cheese of the Year: Gooey Goodness with a Protein Punch
Tne Grilled Cheese of the Year: A grilled cheese sandwich isn’t just a lunchtime staple; it’s a beloved cultural icon. There is a universal magic in the combination of ooey-gooey cheese, golden bread and a little butter – but in 2026, this comfort food classic is getting a functional upgrade in recipes like The Protein Powerhouse and The Classic.
Last Updated on April 27, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Say ‘Yes, Please’ to The Grilled Cheese of the Year: Gooey Goodness with a Protein Punch
(Feature Impact) A grilled cheese sandwich isn’t just a lunchtime staple; it’s a beloved cultural icon. There is a universal magic in the combination of ooey-gooey cheese, golden bread and a little butter – but in 2026, this comfort food classic is getting a functional upgrade.
It’s also safe to say nostalgia is delicious and addicting, which is why Borden Cheese is sharing not one, but two, prize-worthy recipes, one of which packs a protein punch and another that’s a pure classic, perfect for spreading smiles and happy bellies.
Protein, Please: The Protein Powerhouse is the Grilled Cheese of the Year, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a protein-packed masterpiece designed for the modern appetite. Featuring a creamy, dual-cheese combo of mild cheddar and Borden Mozzarella Cheese Melts, the sandwich is melted over 5 ounces of tender sliced chicken breast and delivers more than 40 grams of protein and about 8 grams of fiber when paired with the right bread. Served with a tangy Greek yogurt and Dijon mustard “powerhouse sauce” and pressed between golden, crispy bread, this grilled cheese isn’t your ordinary melt. It has been transformed into a massive protein boost.
Tried n’ True: While modern flavors and trends are delicious, nostalgia is too. In fact, a whopping 20,000 fans cast their votes for America’s Favorite Grilled Cheese, asserting a fervor that’s unmatched when it comes to their perfect melt, and awarded The Classic the title of “America’s Favorite.” This comforting recipe pairs extra sharp melts with American singles on sliced white bread for a perfect, ooey-gooey bite that reminds you the cheese truly “makes” the sandwich.
VisitBordenCheese.com/grilled-cheese-day for other ooey-gooey grilled cheese recipes created for 2026.
The Protein Powerhouse
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- 2 slices bread fortified with protein and fiber
- 2 Borden Mild Cheddar Slices
- 1 slice Borden Mozzarella Melts
- 5 ounces sliced chicken breast (deli-shaved or thinly carved)
“Powerhouse” Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons non-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Heat griddle to medium heat. Butter bread. Layer cheeses and chicken on top of bread.
- Place bread on griddle and cook until lightly toasted. Flip and cook other side.
- Remove sandwich from skillet or griddle.
- To make powerhouse sauce: Mix Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, garlic powder and smoked paprika until well blended. Slice sandwich in half and drizzle with Powerhouse sauce.
The Classic
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- 2 slices white bread
- 2 slices Borden Extra Sharp Melts
- 2 slices Borden American Singles
- Heat skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Spread butter on one side of each slice bread.
- Place cheese slices on unbuttered side of bread. Top with other slice of bread with butter facing upward.
- Place sandwich on skillet or griddle and cook 3-4 minutes on each side. Using spatula, lightly press sandwich down gently while cooking to melt cheese better.
- Remove from skillet or griddle and slice in half.
SOURCE:
Borden
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/
