Shaq puts his footprint on Papa John’s Pizza
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If you’re hungry for pizza in Atlanta, you can now call Shaq.
NBA Hall of Famer and restaurateur Shaquille O’Neal’s first remodeled Papa John’s location is now open on Georgia Tech’s main campus, near the TNT Studios where he films “Inside the NBA.”
It’s one of nine franchise locations O’Neal says he is bringing his signature style to – all will feature his size 22 footprints and SHAQ in the phone numbers – as a new investor in the pizza brand. It’s part of a move to remake the company’s image after the 2018 scandal in which founder and former chairman John Schnatter used a racial slur during a media training session.
“I plan to purchase as many (locations) as I can,” O’Neal said in an exclusive interview with USA TODAY. “Everyone loves pizza, and pizza loves everyone.”
Papa John’s announced in March that O’Neal was joining the company in three ways: an investor, new member of the board of directors and brand ambassador.
O’Neal said he approached CEO Steve Ritchie about working together after Shaq’s Fun House, which Papa John’s sponsored in Atlanta during the Super Bowl this year.
“Steve informed me that they were going through some major changes, and I said I’d like to be a part of the new Papa John’s,” O’Neal said.
O’Neal isn’t new to the franchising world or marketing.
He owns a Krispy Kreme Doughnuts in Atlanta and previously had 27 Five Guys franchise locations. He’s the founder and owner of Big Chicken, a fast-casual fried chicken restaurant in Las Vegas, and Shaquille’s, a fine-dining restaurant in Los Angeles. He also works with Carnival Cruise Lines, Icy Hot and National General Insurance.
“I’m just a team member, and when they throw the ball, I know what to do with it,” O’Neal said of now adding Papa John’s to his list.
It’s possible that you can soon eat O’Neal favorite pizza whether you’re in Atlanta or not.
O’Neal said his “Shaq-eroni” pizza that was developed for the Fun House event this year is coming soon.
“It’s the biggest size with more pepperoni, more sausage and extra cheese,” he said. “It’s pretty big, and it’s tasty.”