Upland Architects is proud to bring the bold, flavor-packed world of Big Chicken to Massachusetts with the franchise’s very first location in the state—situated within the Northshore Mall in Peabody. Backed by an all-star team—including NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal, JBMM Hospitality, LLC, and Authentic Brands Group—Big Chicken blends nostalgic comfort food with today’s trending flavors, serving up Shaq-sized portions of personality and community pride.

 

Partnering with franchise group JBMM Hospitality, LLC, Upland led the architectural design and consultant coordination for this fast-casual concept, working closely with Big Chicken’s corporate team to translate their dynamic brand identity into a unique, built experience. With no single prototype to follow, we synthesized design elements from several previous locations to unify and adapt the concept for this new setting—developing a cohesive and custom approach rooted in the Big Chicken brand.

 

As part of our full-service delivery, Upland coordinated directly with Northshore Mall ownership to ensure the project met stringent site requirements and aesthetic expectations. From layout to finishes, our design embraced operational efficiency and bold visual storytelling. The exterior features a blend of modern, low-maintenance materials, a distinctive lit shelf detail that extends from interior to exterior, and illuminated cornices that frame the storefront with a warm, welcoming glow. The addition of outdoor seating further enhances the guest experience and connects the restaurant to the mall’s pedestrian environment.

 

Upland also managed the full consultant team, coordinating with NY Engineers for MEP and life safety design, SAB Engineering for structural engineering, and Highwood Group as general contractor. The result is a lively, high-performance space that brings Big Chicken’s playful energy to life for dine-in, take-out, and delivery guests alike.

 

This project marks a major milestone for both Big Chicken and Upland Architects—demonstrating our ability to deliver nationally recognized brands into new markets through smart adaptation, strong collaboration, and an eye for every last detail.

 

Bok Bok, Peabody—Big Chicken has officially landed.