Big Chicken — Restaurant in Nevada

We visited this black owned establishment on Tuesday, September 6, 2022. Upon arrival, the bartender informed us we could sit anywhere we desired. Also once we walked in, they had laminated menus right in the front for us to view desired menu selections. The establishment itself was clean, modern, and trendy. Once we were ready to order, we went to the counter and ordered the following menu items: Peach cobbler milkshake, Salted caramel milkshake, Crispy chicken grilled cheese, MDE chicken sandwich with jalapeño coleslaw, BC fries, and Jalapeño coleslaw. We were given a number once we ordered with an order number card to put on our table. The milkshakes were brought out shortly after we ordered. The Salted Caramel milkshake was very delicious and had crumbled pieces, which I believe were nuts at the bottom. The Peach Cobbler milkshake was quite sweet and definitely tasted like peach cobbler in a shake. The milkshakes were well crafted and I would highly recommend them. The food came out shortly after the milkshakes. The Chicken grilled cheese was pretty delicious. It was seasoned well, savory, and had gooey melted cheese. My boyfriend enjoyed his chicken sandwich and said it was seasoned well and quite filling. I didn’t care for the Jalapeño coleslaw. It had way too many jalapeños in it and was quite bland. It definitely needed something to balance out the mellow unseasoned taste it had. I wasn’t able to finish the coleslaw. I could only eat the portion of the coleslaw I did, due to me adding Shaq sauce to it. I do feel the restaurant should add Shaq sauce to the coleslaw, to give it more of a kick and balance. My boyfriend enjoyed eating the coleslaw on his chicken sandwich, because it was a compliment to the chicken. We don’t feel it should be eaten by itself as a side. The fries were pretty underwhelming as well. The fries were quite crispy and lightly seasoned, but pretty thin and lacked much potato. We did see the delicious looking Sweet potato waffle fries come out to another guest shortly after we finished. I was able to use the restroom, but you have to have a door code to do so. I asked the bartender for the code, which she provided. I assume this is so people don’t come in off the street and attempt to use the restroom. It does have a sign on the bathroom door stating you must be a paying customer to use it. I was able to use the restroom without incident, which was clean. We were also able to try the Strawberry lemonade, which was pretty standard. It was not too sweet or too tart. There is also a TV in the restaurant with videos showing Shaq around the Las Vegas area. It also showed the grand opening of the Big Chicken. It appeared that everyone was having a great time. Shaq has really has brought a vital restaurant to the community. I love that this restaurant is black owned and there are plans to open about six more of these franchises across the Las Vegas area. I wouldn’t not recommend this restaurant, but I would not recommend the coleslaw by itself or the BC fries. I would definitely recommend the Grilled chicken cheese sandwich and the other chicken sandwiches. I would also recommend the milkshakes, which were quite tasty and crafted exceptionally well. If I did return to this establishment, I would definitely try the Sweet potato waffle fries. I wish they had the waffle fries in a regular variety, but they do not. One of the things I don’t like about this restaurant is they don’t have any combination meals. You can’t order a chicken sandwich with fries. Everything has to be ordered individually and it is all sold separately. They did appear to have a nice bar area with a nice selection of alcoholic beverages and cocktails to choose from. I loved how casual the set up was. They even had a Foosball table for guest to amuse themselves while patronizing this business. Even our Uber driver on our way back to the hotel stated a lot of people do try this restaurant and enjoy it. I feel it is going to become a Las Vegas staple. I’m glad that Shaq decided to open Big Chicken and bring it...

This is a MEGA shoutout to Big Chicken employees! Among them, namely: Carlos Steffi ... and other from-FL staff (Tampa-- I got you!)

Quickie overview: you couldn't get a more friendly, personalized experience and QUALITY chicken meal-- they are the quintessence of service AND hospitality.

Long story:

Getting off work unexpectedly early from Sphere , I was in a pinch to bring home something good to celebrate with for my husband and a coworker recommended Big Chicken, literally 5 minutes away.

Note: you cannot place orders over the phone for pickup (that is the only lame part), and the website wasn't working with the Sphere's Wifi, so... I had to order once on the premises, but the entire process goes super quick. Fast food quick.

So quick, that Carlos, who was wonderful in explaining the process along with "try all the sauces!" encouragement along with an extra bag to carry all the sauces, seemed to accidentally forget to ultimately put my ENORMOUS cookie (total impulse buy... they're the size of a small NYC pizza... and $13-- but DO IT, GET IT, LOVE ON IT... it is seriously a good cookie!) inside the bag.

I didn't notice until I was stuck in Strip-worthy traffic.

It was a mistake, but I was so pissed. A giant $13 cookie. Bought and paid for... and... forgotten.

I called as soon as I got home. Carlos completely remembered me from 30 minutes prior and assured me that he would put me in the "system" so that the next time I come by, I can reclaim my cookie. (he was unable to give me my money back, as I would've had to have brought my credit card back into the storefront). This was 2 days before Christmas.

Holidays happened and I was unable to get back until last night (Jan 6)... so I was greeted by friendly Steffi, who unfortunately didn't know who Carlos was nor knew what "system" he put me into.

I was prepared for a long drawn out Defense, along with my receipt, appeal to witnesses, and grand Jury... she nipped that in the bud with a friendly, "Just grab a cookie!" and then proceeded to ask me what I did for a living, where I was from... ya know... getting to know me because... well, FRIENDLY SERVICE.

Why do I feel like Big Chicken isn't just about the AMAZING food? (OMG the pop-corn chicken! And the steak fries! I usually don't love thick wedges of potato-- but these AREN'T those... they are thin and delectable... as are the sweet potato fries... and the sauces.. the SAUCES!! And DON'T FORGET the BIG COOKIE!! The food is good, I'm sure all other reviews have told you)... it's NOT just about the AMAZING FOOD... it's about the people... helping people... seemingly enjoying their own companionship (hence the "holla to all the FL folk on staff!") as well as the quick-to-embrace-a-customer friendliness from the get-go.

Raise a glass and a paycheck to Big...

Honestly, when i came across Shaq's Big Chicken restaurant endeavor I was excited and anxious at the same time. Would it be overly hyped up? Overpriced? To me it was neither.

Let's get into it. My wife and I ordered, 1 Shaq attack ($8.39) + combo sweet potato crisscut fries and stubborn soda drink ($3.99), 1 Uncle Jerome ($8.79)+ combo regular thing sliced fries and drink ($3.99), 1 two chicken strip kids meal with fries and drink ($3.99), 1 ice cream sandwich ($4.29).

The chicken in the sandwiches were so moist and juicy I was a bit surprised. Pleasantly surprised. Not sure if it has anything to do with the type of chicken being used but keep doing it. Personally, I'd get the Uncle Jerome (Nashville hot chicken) over the Shaq attack because I prefer more spice, but both were great.

The only downsides were, while the fries were super tasty flavor-wise, whoever was monitoring the station that didn't pay much attention because most of them came out soggy and the sweet potato fries were on the greasy side, meaning the heat was probably not high enough or there were too many in at the same time. Hopefully, that's just an oversight and not routine

Walking into the place you can tell Shaq had a hand in all of the production. The ambiance is just like his personality: big and playful. Inside there is a huge full service bar with seating, beer, and wine. You name it, they probably have it. There's plenty of tables inside, plus seating outside ( for covid purposes).

The place was packed with patrons and the line about 8 people long halfway towards the entrance, but went by fairly quick. The restaurant was following all covid-19 suggestions. In the plaza parking is shared and can be competitive for parking spots. The servers were buuuusy, but pleasant at the same time. It is family + kid friendly (not sure if it's stroller friendly) if you don't mind a party atmosphere.

Def coming back to Shaq's Big Chicken when I'm...