Stranger Things in Georgia: Marietta’s KFC Nestled in Iconic 56-Foot-Tall “Big Chicken” Building.
In Marietta, Georgia, there’s a local KFC that stands out like no other.
Amidst over 150 Kentucky Fried Chicken joints in the state, Marietta’s holds a unique distinction: it’s housed within a towering, 56-foot-tall building shaped like a giant chicken. Complete with eyes that roll and a beak that opens and closes, “The Big Chicken” has become a beloved local landmark.
Originally erected in 1963 by S.R. “Tubby” Davis to promote his restaurant Johnny Reb’s Chick, Chuck and Shake, the structure was the brainchild of Hubert Puckett, then a student at Georgia Tech.
Manufactured by Atlantic Steel in Atlanta, it was later purchased by Davis’s brother and converted into a KFC franchise location in 1974.
Over the years, the Big Chicken has faced threats of removal due to corporate rebranding and storm damage. However, thanks to its deep-rooted popularity among locals and tourists alike, it has managed to survive. In 2017, the building underwent a $2 million renovation, enhancing both its interior and exterior. The update also introduced a gift shop and a radio broadcast featuring the voice of the Big Chicken, accessible on 820 AM.
The Big Chicken’s fame extends beyond its culinary offerings. It has become a cultural icon in Marietta, referenced in directions (“One mile north of the Big Chicken”) and even used as a landmark by pilots navigating the skies. Its image is emblazoned on various merchandise sold at the Marietta History Center, including tea towels, mugs, and postcards.
Celebrating its 60th anniversary in August, the Big Chicken also marked the 90th birthday of its creator, Hubert Puckett.
Today, it continues to operate as a fully functional KFC, serving lunch and dinner daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Located at 12 Cobb Parkway N, it remains a must-visit attraction in Marietta. For more updates, follow the Big Chicken on Facebook.