Ask someone for directions in Marietta, and chances are they’ll say something like “go past the Big Chicken.” It’s more than just a fast food restaurant. It’s a landmark. Everyone knows it. Everyone uses it to give directions. But how did a giant chicken become one of the most recognized features in Marietta? Here’s the story.
The Big Chicken was built in 1963 as part of Johnny Reb’s Chick, Chuck, and Shake before becoming a KFC franchise. A man named S.R. “Tubby” Davis owned a restaurant at the corner of Cobb Parkway and Roswell Road. He sold chicken, and he wanted his business to stand out. He hired an Atlanta architect to build something big and bold. The result was a 56-foot tall steel chicken with moving eyes and a beak that opened and closed.
The building underneath became a Kentucky Fried Chicken. But the giant chicken on top stole the show. It became the thing people remembered. People stopped just to take a picture. Kids stared out the car window every time they passed it. Drivers used it as a marker. “Turn left at the Big Chicken” became part of local language. The architectural significance of the Big Chicken is notable, as it was designed by a Georgia Tech architecture student.
In the early 1990s, the Big Chicken was falling apart. The structure had aged. The moving parts didn’t work well. There was talk of tearing it down. That idea upset a lot of people. The community pushed back. Residents, businesses, and local leaders asked that it be saved. They said it was part of the city’s identity. The Big Chicken suffered significant damage during a winter storm in 1993, leading to a public outcry against demolishing the building.
KFC listened. In 1993, they repaired the Big Chicken. They restored the moving beak and eyes. They also cleaned up the structure and made it safe again. The restoration efforts were aimed at preserving the Big Chicken as a beloved landmark. People celebrated. It proved that the Big Chicken was more than just a building. It was part of Marietta’s story.
In 2017, KFC did a major renovation. The restaurant reopened after a $2 million renovation project. The Big Chicken underwent significant updates, including rebuilding the restaurant and adding new technology. But they kept the Big Chicken. In fact, they improved it. They made the eyes and beak move again. They installed lights so it stood out at night. The goal was to make the chicken last another 50 years.
They also added a small gift shop and historical displays. Visitors could learn about the chicken’s past. The renovation included adding a voice that broadcasts messages to visitors. Locals who had seen it their whole lives could now walk inside a modern building with respect for the original design. The update kept the tradition alive while improving the space.
The Big Chicken is used by the city in many ways. Local art and merchandise often feature it. T-shirts, mugs, and stickers carry its image. There are race routes and charity walks named after it. Even pilots flying into Dobbins Air Reserve Base have been known to use the Big Chicken as a reference point when approaching the runway.
Tourists ask about it. Residents joke about it. It has appeared in various media, local references, commercials, cartoons, and news features. No other fast food sign has the same level of fame. And no other town gives so much affection to a giant steel bird.
Marietta has many historical landmarks, but the Big Chicken holds a special place. It doesn’t tell the story of war or politics. It tells the story of daily life and has a rich history that is intertwined with the daily life of Marietta. It’s fun. It’s odd. But it’s part of the fabric of the city. People who move away remember it. People who visit always ask about it. And people who live here use it as a point of pride.
For many families, the Big Chicken means childhood memories. It means road trips and lunch stops. For others, it means meeting friends or starting the day with a familiar landmark. The Big Chicken has attracted customers for decades, becoming a beloved landmark. It has a place in everyday life that most statues and signs never reach.
The Big Chicken stands at 12 Cobb Parkway South, a prominent street in Marietta. It’s located at the intersection of Cobb Parkway and Roswell Road, making it easy to find and hard to miss. This strategic location at the intersection contributes to its visibility and iconic status. There is parking around the building. Inside, there’s a full KFC restaurant with seating and a gift counter. Outside, you can see the structure up close and hear the moving beak when it’s in motion. At night, the lights make it glow against the skyline.
It’s a good stop for kids, visitors, and anyone who wants a quick photo with a piece of local culture. Many people bring out-of-town guests just to show them the chicken. It has become a must-see spot on local tours.
In a world where cities often tear down the old to build the new, the Big Chicken shows that character still counts. Soon after it was complete, the landmark became a local reference point. It reminds us that some things are worth keeping. It tells us that even a fast food sign can become a symbol if enough people care about it.
Marietta has grown. New buildings and businesses are always popping up. But the Big Chicken stays. Colonel Sanders recognized the business value of the Big Chicken, securing its place in local culture. It gives people a sense of place. It gives drivers a point of reference. It gives the city something to smile about.
Vilchis Tree Services Pro of Marietta is proud to serve this city and its people. We offer expert tree removal, trimming, and emergency services. We focus on safety, honesty, and strong results. Our team works in neighborhoods across Marietta. We treat every yard with care. We support our community, its stories, and the people who make it special.
The Big Chicken is more than a roadside structure. It’s a symbol of Marietta’s style, humor, and local pride. It has lasted through decades of change. It continues to stand tall, beak moving, eyes blinking, pointing the way for locals and visitors alike. If you live here and haven’t stopped by in a while, make the short trip. If you’re new in town, go take a look. The Big Chicken isn’t just a sign—it’s a story.
