Big Chicken lands at Elev8 Fun parks in Florida

Shaquille O'Neal's Big Chicken is partnering with Elev8 Fun to open inside the entertainment center's new Doral park in Florida, with more locations planned as Elev8 expands statewide. The deal gives Big Chicken a new non-traditional venue channel beyond arenas, airports and cruise ships.

Why it matters: - Big Chicken is extending its footprint in Florida through a venue type that combines dining with family entertainment. - The deal adds another non-traditional growth channel for Shaquille O'Neal's chicken brand beyond arenas, airports and cruise ships. - Elev8 Fun gets a food partner that can help drive traffic and lengthen visits at its large-format indoor parks.

What happened: - Big Chicken and Elev8 Fun announced a partnership to bring Big Chicken locations into Elev8's Florida entertainment centers. - The first location is set to open at Elev8 Fun's new Doral, Florida, adventure park, expected to open in late July. - The partnership is scheduled to launch in Q3 2026, with the Doral debut coming this fall. - Elev8 Fun plans to add Big Chicken at its Tampa location next, with more sites possible as the company expands across Florida.

The details: - Big Chicken was founded by basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal and operates as a fast casual chicken brand. - Elev8 Fun builds large-scale indoor adventure parks with go-karts, arcades, cosmic bowling, laser tag and similar attractions. - Elev8's property arm, E8 Properties, focuses on converting large spaces into entertainment destinations. - The agreement is Big Chicken's first partnership with an entertainment center of this kind. - Big Chicken's menu includes The Shaq Attack, The Ultimate, crispy tenders, signature sides, hand-spun milkshakes and Shaq Snacks. - Big Chicken has more than 40 locations open and dozens more in development across North America and beyond. - Big Chicken also plans growth through traditional and non-traditional venues. - Elev8 Fun says its parks also feature mini-golf, VR, axe throwing and bowling. - The company describes itself as a Florida-based family entertainment company expanding across the state. - Big Chicken's website is More information. - Elev8 Fun's website is More information.

Between the lines: - The partnership pairs a recognizable restaurant brand with a high-traffic entertainment model that can capture families and groups in one visit. - The first launch in Doral suggests both companies see Florida as a testing ground for further expansion. - Elev8 Fun's large-format sites give Big Chicken access to customers who may not be visiting for a standalone meal.

What's next: - Big Chicken will open inside Elev8 Fun's Doral park first. - Elev8 Fun expects to bring the brand to Tampa and then additional Florida locations. - Both companies are positioned to use the partnership as part of broader expansion plans.