What Franchises Does Shaquille O’Neal (Actually) Own in 2025?
Shaquille O’Neal, known for his legendary NBA career, has made just as big of an impact off the court as a successful entrepreneur.
Over the years, Shaq has built a diverse business portfolio, investing in various franchise opportunities that align with his larger-than-life personality and business acumen.
From fast-food chains to retail ventures, O’Neal has leveraged his fame and business savvy to create a robust franchise empire.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the franchises Shaq owns today, as well as some of his past investments that shaped his entrepreneurial journey.
Shaq’s Franchise Portfolio in 2024
| Franchise | Ownership Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Big Chicken | Co-Founder, Active | Co-founded in 2018, specializing in fried chicken sandwiches. Currently has 18 locations. |
| Papa John’s | Active | Owns 9 stores in Atlanta, joined the board in 2019, and promoted the Shaq-a-Roni pizza. |
| Krispy Kreme | Active | Owns 1 location in Atlanta. |
| Auntie Anne’s | Active | Owns 17 Auntie Anne’s Pretzels franchises, focusing on mall and airport locations. |
| Five Guys | Sold in 2016 | Previously owned 155 locations, which accounted for 10% of the brand’s franchise portfolio. |
Big Chicken
In 2018, Shaquille O’Neal co-founded Big Chicken, a fast-casual restaurant chain that specializes in Louisiana-style fried chicken sandwiches with bold flavors. The menu reflects Shaq’s larger-than-life personality, offering a unique twist on classic comfort food.
Since its inception, Big Chicken has rapidly expanded, growing to 18 locations across the United States. The brand has gained attention not only for its delicious offerings but also for Shaq’s involvement and commitment to its success.
Shaq has been actively involved in the growth and marketing of Big Chicken, using his star power to draw in customers while also managing the business strategically. His hands-on approach has been key to the brand’s expansion and growing popularity.
Papa John’s
In 2019, Shaquille O’Neal became a significant part of the Papa John’s family by joining the board of directors and investing in nine stores in the Atlanta area. His involvement came at a time when the company was seeking to revitalize its image.
As part of his influence on the brand, Papa John’s introduced the Shaq-a-Roni pizza, a specialty item dedicated to Shaq. It was launched as a limited-time offering and became a popular menu item, combining Shaq’s love for pizza with his signature style.
Shaq’s role in the company has been more than just financial. His influence has helped reshape Papa John’s public image and improve its standing with customers. His leadership and endorsement brought a fresh perspective to the company’s marketing efforts.
Krispy Kreme
Shaquille O’Neal owns a Krispy Kreme franchise in Atlanta, Georgia, one of the most iconic doughnut brands in the U.S. His passion for Krispy Kreme is well-known, as he has frequently mentioned his love for the brand.
Despite a fire that destroyed his Atlanta Krispy Kreme location in 2021, O’Neal remained committed to the franchise. He is currently overseeing the rebuilding of the store, reinforcing his dedication to the brand and its continued success.
Auntie Anne’s
Shaquille O’Neal’s business interests extend into the quick-service snack industry, with ownership of 17 Auntie Anne’s Pretzels locations. Auntie Anne’s is known for its freshly baked pretzels and has become a staple in malls and airports across the U.S.
Shaq’s investment in Auntie Anne’s fits perfectly with his broader focus on food franchises. By diversifying his portfolio within the food and beverage sector, he has strategically positioned himself in high-traffic, high-demand locations.
Five Guys
At one point, Shaquille O’Neal was a major franchisee for Five Guys, owning 155 locations of the popular burger chain.
This investment accounted for roughly 10% of the brand’s franchise portfolio at the time, demonstrating the significant stake he held in the business.
In 2016, O’Neal sold all of his Five Guys franchises as part of his decision to diversify his investments and avoid overexposure to a single brand. This strategic move allowed him to explore other opportunities and expand into new markets.
