Hundreds of fans lined up outside of the Shaquille O’Neal-owned Big Chicken location in Valencia Saturday afternoon, thanks to the news that the Lakers icon would be visiting the restaurant.

Owned by restaurateur Andy Gitipityapon (Giti), the Valencia Big Chicken location was packed to the brim with excited Santa Clarita locals, all hoping for a glimpse of the former NBA star.

“We are super excited,” Giti said. “We opened back in October so it’s long-awaited. I feel that the community has been looking forward to having Shaq come in and he’s finally here, so everyone’s super excited.”

Jade Aubuchon/KHTS News

Also in the audience of basketball fans were children from local non-profit organizations like the Boys and Girls Club of the Santa Clarita Valley, the Michael Hoefflin Foundation, and various high schools.

“We love and appreciate the community support and Shaq is here just to say a big thank you for all the support that the community has given. And we want to give back to the schools and communities and organizations.”

Nine-year-old Liam Tellez shared his excitement to meet O’Neal, as he had been reading one of the star’s children’s books in preparation for the event.

About his favorite part of the book, Tellez said, “How much he’s growing, he’s grown really tall.”

Jade Aubuchon/KHTS News

Tellez and his family joined Shaq as one of the Michael Hoefflin Foundation patient families, a Santa Clarita organization that provides support for the families of childhood cancer patients.

Cries of joy filled the air as the 7’1” former Lakers center made his grand entrance, taking photos with fans and greeting the Big Chicken staff.

O’Neal commented that community outreach and building up the next generation is a part of the core philosophy behind the Big Chicken brand.

“That’s what we do. We love the community, we love the kids, we love the people and want to make sure our franchisees have the same vision that we have,” O’Neal said in an interview with KHTS.

Shaq shared his usual order at Big Chicken: An MDE sandwich with its usual topping of Shaq sauce and pickles, a side of fries and a large pineapple cream soda.

Jade Aubuchon/KHTS News

Other Big Chicken restaurants are located in Glendale,  Las Vegas, on the Carnival Cruise ship Mardi Gras, in Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena and at New York’s UBS Arena.

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