For residents of Marietta, the towering red triangle isn’t just a landmark. It’s a navigational staple for those traveling along bustling US 41. Known as “The Big Chicken,” this 56-foot-tall structure crowns a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant, complete with a beak that moves and eyes that spin.
Originally constructed in 1963 for Johnny Reb’s Chick-Chuck-‘N’-Shake, the quirky chicken was designed by Georgia Tech architecture student Hubert Puckett to draw in customers. In 1974, the restaurant changed hands and became a KFC. According to a newspaper clipping, Colonel Sanders himself visited the site and initially wanted the chicken removed—until he realized how much business it brought in.
When the lease ended in 1989, discussions arose about relocating the structure, but those plans never materialized. Then, in 1993, a storm inflicted significant damage, putting the Big Chicken at risk of demolition. However, the local community, including nearby pilots who used it as a visual marker, rallied to save it. Restoration funds were raised, with Pepsi contributing to repairs and displaying its logo on the structure until a 2017 renovation—despite Atlanta being Coca-Cola’s hometown.
Over the years, the Big Chicken has solidified its status as a beloved local icon, appearing on postcards, Christmas ornaments, t-shirts, and even handcrafted birdhouses by Mariettan Jim Barnes. Some of this memorabilia, including plush toys, socks, and apparel, is available inside the restaurant. While the decor nods to its unique location, the menu remains classic KFC fare.
