Following a tough year for Papa Johns in light of scandals, Shaq became an Ambassador and Board Member for Papa John’s Pizza Chain’s.
You know @SHAQ as a Hall of Famer, sports commentator and entrepreneur. Today, we're adding "Papa John's board member and investor in Atlanta stores" to his long list of pursuits. His business savvy and passion for our pizza make him a great fit.
— Papa John's Pizza (@PapaJohns) March 22, 2019
Announced today, Papa John’s is hoping Shaq’s entrepreneurship and marketing abilities can help the business recover after long-time spokesman John Schnatter resigned from the company for using the N-word during a company conference call and blaming the companies financial struggles on Colin Kaepernick’s NFL protests.
“Pizza is fun,” Shaq said on “Squawk on the Street”, “Everyone knows Shaquille O’Neal, they know I’m in the fun business, and we want to get this thing back on track.”
Time for a pizza party! I’m excited to join @PapaJohns as a member of the Board of Directors and investor in 9 stores in #Atlanta. Excited to work with Papa John’s team members and customers – more here: https://t.co/PRXG7ORtFk pic.twitter.com/c5uj5BRuQ1
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) March 22, 2019
According to MoneyInc, Shaquiile O’ Neal is no joke in the restaurant and marketing world. After playing in the NBA for about 19 years, Shaq invested his earnings to own Five Guys franchises, Auntie Anne’s Pretzel Stands, and he makes over $20 million a year he makes from endorsing for AriZona beverages, Fruity Pebbles, Muscle Milk, Vitamin Water, and others.
“Shaquille has an excellent entrepreneurial background, including as a restaurant franchise owner, and is a natural creative marketer,” chairman Jeff Smith of Papa John’s board of directors told CNN.
According to CNN Business, after the announcement, Papa John’s stock saw an increase of about 5 percent.
“I worry about the 800 franchises, because they did nothing wrong,” Shaq told CNBC. “They’re your neighbor, they’re my neighbors, they’re regular people that do the right thing. They were very affected.”
