Papa Johns Looks to Fuel Youth Entrepreneurs Through Sales of Its Shaq-a-Roni Pizza

Papa Johns announced today the limited-time return of its popular Shaq-a-Roni pizza in the U.S., developed in partnership with board member, franchisee and former basketball superstar, Shaquille O’Neal. A fan favorite menu item for the past three years, Papa Johns will donate $1 to The Papa Johns Foundation for each Shaq-a-Roni purchased at participating locations.

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Papa Johns board member, franchisee and former basketball superstar Shaquille O'Neal and the Shaq-a-Roni pizza (Photo: Business Wire)

Plus, this pizza with a purpose is making its international debut today, with Papa Johns locations around the world donating the U.S. $1 equivalent to local charities for each Shaq-a-Roni purchased. Please visit www.papajohns.com/shaq/ for participating countries and corresponding charities and donation amounts.

OUR COMMITMENT TO EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES

Over the last three years, Papa Johns has raised more than $9 million for community organizations through sales of the Shaq-a-Roni pizza. Given its widespread success and the company’s commitment to building up communities, Papa Johns is celebrating the fourth year of this LTO by launching the pizza globally and with a pointed mission to support youth entrepreneurs and future leaders.

“At Papa Johns, we believe pizza brings people together. The Shaq-a-Roni and our partnership with Shaquille O’Neal has accomplished a great deal over the last three years to unite the areas where our consumers work and live,” says Jaclyn Ruelle, Head of Brand at Papa Johns. “We’re setting our sights even bigger this year by debuting the Shaq-a-Roni internationally and investing in communities across the globe.”

DEDICATING OUR RESOURCES TO YOUTH LEADERSHIP & ENTREPRENEURSHIP

With more than 60% of today’s youth considering entrepreneurship as a career option–and nearly half seeking resources to get their dreams off the ground¹–Papa Johns is setting out to kickstart youth entrepreneurship by investing a portion of this year’s Shaq-a-Roni sales into youth-led small businesses and community projects.

Starting November 1, kids of all ages across the U.S. can share their business concept with Papa Johns and Shaquille O’Neal for a chance to bring their big idea to life. Five applicants from around the United States will be selected and awarded a $5,000 grant to invest in their project.