Papa Johns has announced the limited-time return of the Shaq-a-Roni pizza in the U.S. in partnership with former basketball superstar and entrepreneur Shaquille O’Neal. As per the last three years, the brand will donate $1 to The Papa Johns Foundation for each Shaq-a-Roni sold.
The pizza is making its international debut, with Papa Johns locations around the world donating to local charities for each Shaq-a-Roni purchased.
The brand has raised more than $9 million for community organizations through sales of the pizza.
“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,” Jaclyn Ruelle, head of brand at Papa Johns, said in a press release. “We’re setting our sights even bigger this year by debuting the Shaq-a-Roni internationally and investing in communities across the globe.”
Starting Nov. 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 U.S. will be selected and awarded a $5,000 grant to invest in their project.
“Through partnerships with Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Junior Achievement, Papa Johns has a longstanding global commitment to empowering youth and the leaders of tomorrow,” Jenn Garner, senior director, corporate affairs and sustainability at Papa Johns, said in the release. “Now more than ever, young adults are looking for ways to create positive change in their communities, so we couldn’t be more excited to leverage the impact of our Shaq-a-Roni pizza to support the ventures of our young leaders.”
Papa Johns operates more than 5,700 restaurants in approximately 50 countries and territories.
