Honestly, the list of what restaurants Shaq owns is a bit of a moving target. If you’re looking at those old viral Facebook posts from 2016 claiming he owns half of the fast-food industry, you’ve probably got some outdated info. Shaquille O’Neal is a genius at the "exit strategy." He doesn't just buy stuff to keep it forever; he buys, scales, and sells when the price is right.
Take Five Guys, for example. People still swear he owns a chunk of that burger empire. He did. He once owned 155 locations—about 10% of the entire company. But he sold those off years ago. He did the same with Auntie Anne's. He used to have 17 of those pretzel shops, but he's moved on from the mall snack game to focus on bigger, more personal projects.
So, what’s actually in his portfolio right now in 2026? It’s a mix of a flagship brand he built from scratch and a few legacy investments he’s genuinely passionate about.
Big Chicken: The Crown Jewel
If you want to know what restaurants Shaq owns that he actually cares about, look no further than Big Chicken. This isn't just a franchise he bought into; he’s the co-founder. Launched in 2018 in Las Vegas, this place is basically Shaq on a plate.
The sandwiches are massive. They have names like "The M.D.E." (Most Dominant Ever) and "Uncle Jerome"—named after his childhood friend.
As of early 2026, Big Chicken has exploded. We’re talking over 50 locations open, with literally hundreds more in the development pipeline. You’ll find them in places you wouldn't expect:
- Carnival Cruise Ships (Shaq is the "Chief Fun Officer" there, so it makes sense).
- Sports Arenas like Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle and UBS Arena in New York.
- Traditional Brick-and-Mortar spots in Texas, Florida, and Arizona.
- International Markets, including a major push into Canada that started in late 2025.
What’s interesting is that Shaq recently brought in Craveworthy Brands as a managing partner to help scale this thing even faster. He’s not just playing around; he wants this to be the next Chick-fil-A or Popeyes.
The Papa John’s Connection
You’ve definitely seen the commercials. Shaq is the face of Papa John’s, but his role goes way deeper than just being a "pitchman."
Back in 2019, when the company was in a tailspin due to PR disasters involving its founder, Shaq stepped in. He didn't just take a check; he joined the Board of Directors and invested his own money into nine locations in the Atlanta area.
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Now, here is the nuance: he actually stepped down from the Board in 2024 because he was too busy with other ventures (mainly Big Chicken). But—and this is a big but—he kept his ownership in those nine Atlanta stores. He’s still a franchisee and a brand ambassador. If you’re in Atlanta and you order a Shaq-a-Roni, there’s a literal chance you’re putting money into the Big Man’s pocket.
That One Historic Krispy Kreme
Shaq loves doughnuts. Like, really loves them. He’s been vocal about his obsession with Krispy Kreme for decades.
He currently owns one very specific, very famous Krispy Kreme location: the historic shop on Ponce de Leon Avenue in Atlanta. This place is a landmark. It actually caught fire a couple of times a few years back, and Shaq personally vowed to rebuild it. He did. It reopened as a state-of-the-art "Hot Light" factory. While he’s joked about wanting to own 100 Krispy Kremes, right now, he’s focused on that Atlanta flagship.
The Shaq Investment Strategy (And What He Sold)
Shaq's business philosophy is surprisingly simple: "I only invest in things that I use." He famously turned down an early investment in Starbucks because he didn't drink coffee at the time and didn't think it would work in his community.
To understand what he owns now, you have to look at what he used to own. It helps paint the picture of a guy who knows when to fold 'em.
| Brand | Status in 2026 | Why he moved on |
|---|---|---|
| Five Guys | Sold | He owned 155 units; sold to diversify into his own brands. |
| Auntie Anne's | Sold | Once owned 17; sold around 2022. |
| Big Chicken | Active / Growing | He's the founder. This is his legacy brand. |
| Papa John's | Active (9 stores) | Stepped off board, kept the stores and the marketing deal. |
| Krispy Kreme | Active (1 store) | Pure passion project in Atlanta. |
Why he sold the "sure things"
Why would anyone sell 155 Five Guys? Honestly, it’s about control. When you’re a franchisee, you’re following someone else’s playbook. With Big Chicken, Shaq is the playbook. He gets to decide that the cookies are the size of basketballs. He gets to name the sides after his mom, Lucille.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans and Investors
If you’re trying to keep up with Shaq’s moves or looking for your own "Shaq-style" investment, here is what you should actually do:
- Look for the "Big Chicken" Expansion: If you're a real estate investor or a foodie, watch where these pop up next. They are targeting high-traffic areas like airports and arenas.
- Verify Before You Buy: Don't believe every "Shaq owns this" meme. He frequently rotates his portfolio. Check recent SEC filings or official press releases from Authentic Brands Group (the company that manages his likeness).
- The "Bezos" Rule: Shaq often credits Jeff Bezos for his success. He only invests if the product "changes people's lives" or makes them smile. If you're looking at a franchise, ask yourself: does this actually make people happy, or is it just a transaction?
Shaq isn't just a "dumb jock" who got lucky. He’s a PhD-holding, DJing, basketball-playing mogul who has more restaurant experience than most corporate CEOs. Whether he's selling you a pizza or a massive fried chicken sandwich, he's doing it because he actually likes the food—and that's a pretty solid business model.
To see the most current list of Big Chicken locations or to find a Shaq-owned Papa John's in Atlanta, your best bet is to check the official Big Chicken website or look for the Papa John's on 14th Street near Georgia Tech—it’s the one with Shaq's literal footprints in the concrete out front.