If you find yourself driving down Murfreesboro Road in Franklin, Tennessee, looking for that iconic neon sign and the smell of peanut oil and ghost peppers, you might be in for a heartbreak. Honestly, it’s the kind of news that hits local foodies right in the gut. The Big Shake’s Hot Chicken Franklin TN location—the flagship, the "baby" of Chef Shawn Davis—is gone.
It closed its doors permanently in early 2023.
For a while, it felt like Big Shake was untouchable. We’re talking about a guy who walked onto Shark Tank, got told "no" by every single Shark, and then went out and built a multi-million dollar empire anyway. Mark Cuban later called it one of the biggest misses in the show's history. But even with that kind of momentum, the restaurant world is a beast. Between the chaos of the post-pandemic landscape and the razor-thin margins of the chicken game, the Franklin home base finally called it quits.
The Shark Tank Story Most People Forget
Most folks remember Shawn Davis for his Shrimp Burger. That was the pitch. He wanted to change the backyard BBQ game. When the Sharks passed, the exposure actually worked in his favor, leading to millions in sales and his products landing in thousands of grocery stores.
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But Shawn is a Middle Tennessee guy through and through. He didn't just want to be the "shrimp guy." He wanted to master the Nashville Hot Chicken craft.
He opened the Franklin spot at 1203 Murfreesboro Road, and it wasn't just another Hattie B’s clone. It had a different soul. The breading was lighter, less of that heavy paste you find at some of the old-school spots, and more focused on a proprietary spice blend that actually let you taste the bird.
Why the Franklin Spot Was Different
If you ever had the chance to sit in those booths, you know the vibe was basically a neighborhood hangout with better music than your average chain. You’d see families sitting next to guys in suits, all of them sweating over a basket of jumbo tenders.
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The menu was a wild mix. You had:
- The Hot Mess: A chicken sandwich topped with ghost pepper mayo and coleslaw that would ruin your shirt and your afternoon in the best way possible.
- Deep Fried Oreos: Because apparently, the calories in the chicken weren't enough.
- The Heat Levels: They had this scale that started at "Crybaby" (zero heat, all flavor) and went up to "Executioner."
I remember a guy on Reddit once saying he tried the Executioner and "pissed fire" the next morning. That’s the kind of legendary status this place had. It wasn't just lunch; it was a dare.
What Went Wrong?
It’s easy to blame one thing, but it’s usually a "death by a thousand cuts" situation.
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By 2022 and 2023, reports started swirling about consistency issues. Some days the chicken was the best in the state; other days it was coming out cold or slow. There were public struggles with business licenses at other locations, specifically down in Huntsville, which started to signal that the operational side of the franchise was stretching thin.
When the Franklin location sent out its final newsletter in February 2023 announcing the closure, it felt like the end of an era for Williamson County. The space has since moved on, but the "Big Shake" brand hasn't completely vanished from the earth. Shawn Davis transitioned much of the business toward catering, online spice sales, and his famous "Big Shake's Kitchen" presence.
Can You Still Get Big Shake’s Today?
You can't walk into the Franklin storefront anymore, but you aren't totally out of luck if you're craving that specific flavor.
- Online Spices: You can still buy the breading and seasoning mixes online. If you've got an air fryer and a dream, you can get pretty close to the original "Stop, Drop, and Roll" heat level at home.
- Catering: They still do bulk orders for events in the Middle Tennessee area.
- Ghost Kitchens and Franchises: While many of the physical storefronts (like the ones in Alabama and Florida) faced similar fates, the brand occasionally pops up in delivery-only formats.
Actionable Insights for Hot Chicken Hunters
If you were planning a pilgrimage to the Franklin location, here is what you need to do instead to get your fix:
- Check the Official Site: Before driving anywhere, check bigshakeshotchicken.com. They frequently update where their food truck or catering services are operating.
- Support Local Alternatives: Since Big Shake's left a hole in the Franklin market, check out Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken or make the short drive to Hattie B’s in 8th South. They aren't the same, but they’ll hit that spicy craving.
- Order the Breading: Seriously, if you miss the flavor, buy the "Crybaby" or "Rambo" breading online. It’s the exact same formula they used in the restaurant.
It’s a bummer when a local staple disappears, especially one with such a "hero’s journey" backstory. Big Shake’s wasn't just a restaurant; it was proof that you don't need a Shark’s money to make a mark on a city’s food scene. Even if the doors are locked, the Executioner lives on in the memories (and heartburn) of everyone who was brave enough to try it.