In the wake of a devastating winter storm in early January 1993, the iconic Big Chicken in Marietta faced significant damage, leading to an initial decision to demolish the beloved landmark. The community’s strong opposition, demonstrated through thousands of calls and letters, prompted a change of heart from KFC. The company committed to not only preserving The Big Chicken but also to investing in its complete reconstruction, allowing the famous landmark to stand tall once again.
As part of the reconstruction process, a unique opportunity arose to own a piece of Marietta history. Collectors and enthusiasts were given the chance to purchase limited edition pieces of the original Big Chicken structure. Each piece, a segment of angle iron, was carefully cut and polished by the Central Metals Recycling Company. These segments were not just scraps of metal; they were pieces of a community landmark that had stood the test of time and weathered the storm, both literally and figuratively.
Accompanying each piece was a Certificate of Authenticity, affirming that the holder owned a genuine piece of The Big Chicken. These individually numbered collectibles represented a tangible connection to the history of Marietta and an opportunity for individuals to hold a part of local lore.
The proceeds from the sale of these collectible pieces went to a noble cause. Donations were directed to Atlanta’s Table, the Atlanta Community Food Bank’s prepared and perishable food rescue project, thus ensuring that the legacy of the Big Chicken contributed to the well-being of the community it symbolizes.
The Big Chicken, rebuilt and reopened in 1994, continues to be a landmark and a symbol of Marietta’s identity. The sale of pieces of its original structure supported a charitable cause and turned fragments of a past era into symbols of hope and continuity, cementing the Big Chicken’s place in Marietta’s skyline and in the hearts of those who love its story.
