Shaq Attack in the heights

Shaquille O'Neal announces big new chicken restaurant location near the Heights

Big Chicken is coming to central Houston.

Courtesy of Big Chicken

Shaquille O’Neal’s chicken restaurant is coming to central Houston. The NBA Hall of Famer and media personality announced that the next location of Big Chicken will open next year near the Heights.

Scheduled to open in early 2024, Big Chicken has claimed the former Corner Bakery space at 107 Yale Street. It joins an outpost in West Houston that opened in April and a second that’s scheduled to open later this year in Richmond.

Based in Las Vegas, Big Chicken serves fried chicken sandwiches with a range of toppings such as the Big & Sloppy (mac and cheese, fried onions), the Big Aristotle (fried onions, Muenster, Memphis-style barbecue sauce), and the Shaq Attack (pepper jack, jalapeño slaw, spicy chipotle barbecue sauce).

Big Chicken also serves fried chicken tenders, sliders, and milkshakes. Sides include Cheez-It-crusted mac and cheese, jalapeño slaw, and fries (both potato and sweet potato).

O’Neal — along with local franchisees Fazil Malik, Frank Malik, and Noordin Jhaver — plan to open 50 Big Chicken locations across Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas. The Maliks operate gas stations and convenience stores through their company Northwest Petroleum, while Jhaver brings experience as a Sonic franchisee via his company Drew Real Estate Holdings.

“Coming off our successful grand opening celebration in Houston this past month, we’re thrilled to be able to fill the growing demand for Big Chicken’s big food, big flavor, and big fun with our next location in the up-and-coming Greater Heights neighborhood,” Frank Malik said in a statement. “Big Chicken is the perfect brand for the booming area, and we are excited to share it with our community.”

O’Neal came to Houston for the first location’s grand opening in June. Thousands of people, including Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, joined O’Neal for the celebration.

“Frank, Fazil, and Noordin’s dedication to expanding our brand’s reach in Houston has made an invaluable impact on our franchise network,” Big Chicken CEO Josh Halpern said. “We are excited to grow in the big state of Texas and are happy to celebrate the signed lease in Washington Heights, and based on the successful opening on Westheimer Road, we know they will continue to make a big impact in Southeast Texas.”

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best in Texas

Hidden Houston cocktail den ranks No. 47 on North America best bars list

Courtesy of the Four Seasons Hotel Houston

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The best bar in Texas is located in downtown Houston. Bandista, the speakeasy-style cocktail bar at the Four Seasons Hotel Houston, ranks No. 47 on the list of North America’s 50 Best Bars 2026.

That’s a 12 spot jump from Bandista’s debut at No. 59 in 2025. Southern-inspired cocktail bar Julep (No. 84) and Austin’s Midwest-inspired neighborhood bar Nickel City (No. 96) are the only other Texas establishments on the list. New York’s Sip & Guzzle topped the list, which was revealed at a ceremony in Vancouver on Wednesday, April 22.

“Scientific laboratory tech meets classic southern hospitality at Houston's hot spot Bandista,” the bar’s entry on the 50 Best website reads. “Deep within the downtown Four Seasons Hotel, the chic lounge is hidden behind a nondescript bookcase. Inside, a mix of local cocktailians and visiting VIPs experience a unique take on the classic speakeasy. Yes, touches of Art Deco invoke the expected 1920's vibes and the exclusive space oozes Gatsby. However, the focus here is on tequileros and Prohibition's oft overlooked smuggling routes along the US-Mexican border.”

The text goes on to highlight the bar’s use of advanced techniques, its range of agave-based cocktails, and charming service, such as a drink the Almost Famous, a mezcal cocktail that’s presented by a bartender with a Polaroid camera to capture the moment.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have Bandista named among North America’s 50 Best Bars,” says Four Seasons general manager Tom Segesta said in a statement. “Our incredible and creative team is always experimenting and innovating, ensuring that everyone who comes through the bookcase has an experience like no other.”

Bandista is led by beverage manager Jonathan Jones. The bar team includes CultureMap Tastemaker Awards Bartender of the Year finalist Josh Alden, Sam Ruiz, and Zachary Churbock.

“Our team at Bandista is absolutely thrilled with this amazing recognition,” Jones said. “We’re looking forward to celebrating well with our guests old and new all year long.”

Opened in 2022, Bandista is hidden behind Toro Toro, the hotel’s pan-Latin steakhouse. With just 20 seats — 12 in the lounge and eight at the bar — the bar offers an intimate setting for drinks made with refined techniques and premium spirits. It regularly hosts pop-ups with guest bartenders from across the country and around the world, including Jewel of the South (New Orleans), Employees Only (New York City), and VIRTÙ (Tokyo).

Patrons make reservations for 90-minute seatings. The bar is open Wednesday-Saturday from 5 pm until midnight.

awards lists cocktails downtown hotels bandista