If you ask someone from Marietta for directions, chances are they’ll mention the Big Chicken. This 56-foot-tall steel bird stands at the corner of Cobb Parkway and Roswell Road. It is more than a restaurant sign. It is a city landmark that locals use to give directions, mark meeting spots, and share stories.
Luis Perez, owner of Vilchis Tree Services Pro of Marietta, says, “We use the Big Chicken as a landmark all the time. If we’re trimming trees nearby, we say, ‘We’re two streets past the Big Chicken.’ Everybody knows what that means.”
The History
The Big Chicken was built in 1963. It was designed by Stanley R. Morrison, an architecture student, to help a Johnny Reb’s Chick, Chuck and Shake restaurant stand out. The 56-foot chicken structure had moving eyes and a beak that opened and closed. It quickly became a roadside attraction.
In 1974, the restaurant changed hands and became a KFC. Despite the new brand, the Big Chicken stayed. It became more famous than the food itself.
Why It Became Iconic
The Big Chicken survived many changes, including major storms and a near-demolition. In 1993, KFC planned to tear it down, but local outcry saved it. The city and residents pushed to keep it standing.
In 2017, the structure underwent a $2 million renovation. The project restored its motion features and added a new dining area, but the outside remained the same.
According to the Marietta Visitors Bureau, over 1 million people visit or drive past the Big Chicken each year.
Luis adds, “It’s part of the city. People who move here always ask about it. And kids love seeing the beak move.”
It’s More Than a Sign
Locals use the Big Chicken for directions. GPS apps even mark it as a traffic point. Pilots use it as a visual guide when flying into nearby Cobb County International Airport.
Businesses near it often mention the landmark in ads and instructions. It’s easier to say “half a mile from the Big Chicken” than give a full address.
Luis says, “We’ve worked on yards near it for years. Customers say, ‘Turn right at the chicken,’ and we know where to go.”
What It Means to Marietta
The Big Chicken is a symbol of local pride. It shows how something simple can become important through time and community support.
Luis says, “It’s funny—a giant chicken—but it brings people together. That’s rare. You don’t see that in every city.”
From Tree Care to Landmarks, We Know Marietta
Vilchis Tree Services Pro of Marietta is proud to serve the city we know and love. Whether you live near the Big Chicken or across town, we’re ready to help with safe, honest tree care.
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