To reach the $500 million net worth, Shaquille O’Neal had to think out of the box. He leaned into the franchising model with Five Guys, Papa John’s Pizza, Krispy Kreme, and his own brand, Big Chicken. In fact, in order to rebuild Papa John’s stocks, the NBA icon started Shaq-A-Roni. He gets a $0.20 royalty for every Shaq-A-Roni sold. Even though he severed ties with Papa John’s in early 2024, he is helping the brand build again. And what about his other brands?

As per Macrotrends, the company’s current net worth as of April 14, 2025, is $1.59 billion. Despite that, the brand’s stock has tumbled to a 52-week low, touching down at $30.7. However, that doesn’t stop the brand from expanding. And what’s the location?

“Grand Opening for the New @papajohns on Ponce right to @drenchedcyclestudio !! It was awesome to find out who owns it @shaq ☺️ Always happy to support local businesses in the Old Fourth Ward community 💯 I wonder if Shaq will come take a class 🤔 Since we’re business neighbors and all….”

The new location is Ponce de Leon Ave Atlanta, and it’s the same vicinity where there is a Krispy Kreme. It’s a new 4,000-square-foot facility owned by Shaquille O’Neal and opened in 2023. The place was destroyed by arson in 2021, and even then, Shaq was confident that the place would be back up and running. “We’ll bounce back better than ever.”

At the time, it was reported that the new place strikes a balance between modernization and honoring its historical significance. This also includes a “custom mural and plaque, and a refurbishment of the iconic Krispy Kreme heritage sign that dates back to the 1960s.” But the expansion of Papa John’s in Krispy Kreme territory is not the only expansion on Shaq’s mind.

Shaquille O’Neal launches personal brand in Beantown

The Lakers legend ended his career with the Boston Celtics. The two franchises that occupy the top two spots for total championships aren’t on friendly terms. But Shaq has a history, as he played there for just 37 regular-season games and had only a brief playoff showing due to injuries. But his brand, Big Chicken, ain’t making no small play.

“SHAQ’S Chicken Has Landed in Boston,” read a Facebook post from North Shore Dining, unveiling the new spot: Uncle Jerome’s Nashville Hot at Northshore Mall, 210 Andover St, Peabody, Massachusetts. Initial reviews? They’ve been pretty decent. Most dishes are landing in the 7 to 8 out of 10 range. So, while his basketball chapter in Boston might’ve fallen flat, Shaq seems to be cooking up the success he once hoped for with the Celtics by winning hearts another way.

So, the business mogul continues to look for ways to expand his portfolio. Be it with Papa John’s, where he earns royalty, or his own brand, Big Chicken. In fact, the personal brand announced some major changes to improve their sales as well. This is a clear sign that Shaq wants to reach the Billionaire athlete status soon.