If you’ve spent any time on the "business side" of TikTok or scrolled through those "mind-blowing facts" threads on X, you’ve probably seen the stat. It’s usually framed as a masterclass in celebrity investing: Shaquille O’Neal owns 155 Five Guys restaurants. It’s a great story. The 7'1" powerhouse, known for shattering backboards, quietly cornering 10% of the entire burger franchise market while nobody was looking. It paints a picture of Shaq sitting in a boardroom, surrounded by peanuts and foil-wrapped cheeseburgers, counting his millions.
But here is the thing: if you walk into a Five Guys today in 2026 and expect Big Shaq to be your boss, you’re about a decade late to the party.
Honestly, the "Does Shaq own Five Guys?" question has become one of those persistent internet myths that just won't die. He did own them. He owned a ton of them. But he hasn't owned a single one in a very long time.
The Rise of the Shaq-Sized Burger Empire
Back in 2008, Shaq wasn't just looking for a post-NBA career; he was looking for brands he actually liked. He’s famously said he only invests in stuff he uses himself. He likes donuts, so he bought Krispy Kreme. He likes pizza, so he joined Papa John’s. And he definitely liked those greasy, delicious Five Guys fries.
At his peak, Shaq didn't just own a couple of units. He owned 155 locations. To put that in perspective, that was roughly 10% of the entire company's franchise portfolio at the time.
He was essentially the king of the "fast-casual" burger world. It was a massive commitment. Most celebrity "owners" are just faces of a brand, but Shaq was a legitimate franchisee. He was deep in the operations, the overhead, and the grease traps.
Why He Walked Away From the 155 Locations
So, if it was going so well, why did he leave?
Business is about timing. Around 2016, Shaq decided to exit. He sold his entire stake in those 155 Five Guys locations. While the exact sale price hasn't been plastered on every billboard, estimates suggest the deal was worth between $80 million and $100 million.
Why sell a cash cow? Diversification.
Even for a guy with a net worth hovering around $500 million, having that much capital tied up in one single burger brand is risky. The burger market got crowded. Suddenly, everyone and their mother was opening a "premium" burger joint. Shaq saw the writing on the wall and decided to take his chips off the table while the table was still hot.
He didn't just retire to a beach, though. He took that Five Guys money and poured it into new ventures that he could control more directly.
Where the Money Went: From Burgers to Big Chicken
If you’re looking for where Shaq is putting his energy now, look at Big Chicken.
Founded in 2018, this is Shaq’s own brainchild. Instead of paying franchise fees to the Five Guys corporate office, he is the corporate office. As of early 2026, Big Chicken has exploded. We’re talking over 40 locations open and a massive pipeline of 350+ units in development.
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He’s doing things his way now. He’s got sandwiches named "The Big Aristotle" and "The Charles Barkley" (which is basically a fried chicken sandwich with mac and cheese on it—heavy stuff).
The Current Shaq Portfolio (The 2026 Reality)
If you're keeping score at home, here is what the Big Diesel actually has his name on right now:
- Big Chicken: His flagship brand. It's growing at a rate of about 234% year-over-year.
- Papa John’s: He owns nine locations in Atlanta and spent years on the board of directors. He’s the face of the "Shaq-a-Roni."
- Krispy Kreme: He owns the historic shop on Ponce de Leon Ave in Atlanta. He basically wants to own the whole company because, well, he loves donuts.
- 24-Hour Fitness: He’s still got skin in the game here with about 40 locations.
- Car Washes: This is the quiet part of his empire. He owns 150 car washes. It’s not "sexy" business, but it’s incredibly steady cash flow.
What Most People Get Wrong About Shaq's Business Strategy
People think Shaq is just lucky or that he just "buys stuff." That’s not it.
He follows a specific rule he learned from Jeff Bezos: Invest in things that are going to change people's lives. Now, does a burger change your life? Maybe not in a "medical breakthrough" way, but Shaq looks for brands that have a cult-like following. Five Guys had it. Krispy Kreme has it. He looks for "reliability." He’s not out here trying to find the next obscure crypto coin or a tech startup that might fail in six months.
He buys "boring" businesses that work. Pizza, chicken, car washes, and gym memberships.
Actionable Insights: The "Shaq Way" to Wealth
You don't need a $292 million NBA salary to learn from how Shaq handled his Five Guys exit.
- Don't Fall in Love With an Asset: Shaq loved Five Guys, but he loved profit and security more. When it was time to sell, he didn't let nostalgia get in the way.
- Focus on "The Use Case": Only put money into things you understand. If you don't use the product, don't buy the stock.
- Ownership vs. Endorsement: Early in his career, Shaq just did commercials. Now, he demands equity. If you’re a creator or a business person, look for ways to own the "rails" of the business, not just the "face" of it.
So, the short answer? No, Shaq does not own Five Guys anymore. He used them as a springboard to build a diversified empire that now earns him more per year than his highest-paid season in the NBA ever did. He’s moved from the burger business to the chicken business—and he’s winning there, too.
Check your local listings for a Big Chicken opening near you, because that is where the Big Aristotle is hanging his hat these days.