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KANSAS CITY, MO – MARCH 11: Shaquille ONeal attends the Big 12 basketball tournament championship game between the Texas Longhorns and Kansas Jayhawks on March 11, 2023 at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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KANSAS CITY, MO – MARCH 11: Shaquille ONeal attends the Big 12 basketball tournament championship game between the Texas Longhorns and Kansas Jayhawks on March 11, 2023 at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Shaquille O’Neal has been one of the most influential entrepreneurs ever since he retired from the NBA. Though Michael Jordan might have the badge for being the wealthiest NBA player ever, it’s safe to say Shaq is slowly climbing up the ladder to be on par or even above the Bulls legend. A crucial investment that is playing a huge part in increasing his net worth is the food chain he owns. Named the ‘Big Chicken’, the Los Angeles Lakers legend has opened several franchises across the country. The latest was in Houston, for which Shaq himself made an appearance.
Apart from clicking pictures with the fans, the 51-year-old took the time to explain the reason behind this success. Well, looks like Shaq is a strict owner!
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Shaquille O’Neal reveals the reason behind the food chain’s success
While the ‘Big Chicken’ is doing wonders on one side, Shaq has also put money into another restaurant. Shaq has invested in several fast food companies such as Papa John’s, Auntie Anne’s, Krispy Kreme, etc. Out of all, ‘Five Guys‘ has helped him the most.
Initially, Shaq owned a few franchises of ‘Five Guys‘ across America. Later, looking at the potential and the success of the $500 million company, Shaq decided to purchase 10% of their ownership stake.

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 22: Shaquille O’Neal attends the 44th Annual Sports Emmy Awards at Frederick P. Rose Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center on May 22, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
With an added responsibility, Shaq managed to take a page from ‘Five Guys’ to improve his ‘Big Chicken‘ franchise. However, the main question here is, how does the 4-time NBA champion manage to find success in everything?
Shaq revealed, “The greatest of the leaders are the ones smart enough to have people around you that are smarter. If I was a chef I’d be in here, but I am not. But my partners are top, award-winning chefs.”
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He added, “I tell them what I’m looking for, they make it and I taste it. It doesn’t go behind the bar unless it’s right and approved by me.”
Big Diesel assured that it’s a joint effort and his chef partners give life to his ideas.
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What was it like at the new ‘Big Chicken’ franchise in Richmond?
Shaq went a step further this time by making an appearance at his new franchise. Spending time with the public is a brilliant way to get loyal customers, given the food is a delicacy.
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Looks like Shaq has mastered all the aspects. Having a meal with the new customers, the LA champion also took the time to click pictures to make it even more memorable for them.
All things considered, Shaq might reach the $1 billion mark real soon! What are your thoughts? Share it in the comments below.
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