Iconic 'Big Chicken' stands tall after renovation

MARIETTA, Ga. - It is a true Metro Atlanta icon, watching over the area since for more than 50 years with those big, rolling eyes.  Now, Marietta’s The Big Chicken is looking better than ever, thanks to a $2 million renovation which wrapped up earlier this year.

App users: View full article here

The Big Chicken was built in 1963, initially to help advertise the “Johnny Reb's Chick, Chuck and Shake” restaurant which had served Cobb County since 1956.  The 56-foot tall “chicken” was designed by a Georgia Tech architecture student, complete with moving beak and eyes, and survived the eventual transition of the restaurant to a KFC franchise. 

Storm damage in 1993 forced the Big Chicken to be re-built, and early this year, KFC gave it a $2 million renovation, adding a gift shop and updating it to incorporate the latest design of the restaurant chain. 

Now re-opened to the public, The Big Chicken continues to serve as a landmark not only to drivers in the area, but also to pilots landing at nearby Dobbins Air Reserve Base.

Good Day Atlanta’s Paul Milliken spent the morning learning more about the fascinating history and appeal of The Big Chicken…and also doing a little shopping in that new gift shop!