Shaq opens first Big Chicken restaurant in Canada at Hamilton’s TD Coliseum

Game day just got a Shaq-sized upgrade. The retired NBA star has expanded to Canada with a brand new Big Chicken location at Hamilton’s new TD Coliseum. Is this a slam dunk?

After eight years across the U.S. and two in the U.K., Shaquille O’Neal (Shaq) opened Big Chicken’s first Canadian location in Hamilton in November 2025. 

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The menu options are endless with their well-known sandwiches, including the original and the Shaq Attack. He even introduced Shaq’s Spicy Maple Crunch, a hot maple honey sandwich designed to satisfy Canadian cravings. Other menu items include Shaq snacks on garlic toast, tenders & plates, shakes, and more.

But some people are split on his decision to put his first Canadian location in Hamilton, and questioning why it’s not in Toronto. 

Under Shaq’s own Instagram post, one user said he’s happy this puts Hamilton “on the map,” while another commented that no one’s going to Hamilton only to “get that burger.”  

Another concern raised by some online is that : only TD Coliseum event ticket-holders can access the new Big Chicken location, limiting access to many chicken fans.

The next event scheduled is the Toronto Rock lacrosse team vs. Georgia Swarm on Jan. 24, where the lowest priced ticket starts at $56.35 on Ticketmaster. 

In fact, social media influencer @bbkumah purchased a ticket to a hockey game solely to try Big Chicken. During his review on TikTok, he shared that he decided to watch the game because he had already paid for it.

What’s next? The brand has plans to open more locations in the Greater Toronto Area, so if trying Big Chicken in Hamilton isn’t possible for you, there’s still a chance to try their food in the future.




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