Who else was sad when NBA icon Shaquille O’Neal left Papa John’s Board of Directors back in May? Yeah, us too. O’Neal is a well-loved and respected figure, known for his charisma and wide appeal. By teaming up with the former basketball star, Papa John’s gained a positive and influential spokesperson who helped reshape the brand’s image, especially after previous controversies.
That’s why we’re so pleased to announce that Papa John’s has teamed up with Shaq once again to launch the new Shaq-a-Roni Stuffed Sticks. This release features two breadsticks made with Papa Johns’s fresh, original dough and stuffed with pepperoni and ooey-gooey cheese. They’re finished with a brushing of garlic parmesan coating and served with original pizza sauce as a side dip. They are currently available at select locations including restaurants in South Carolina, North Dakota, Kentucky, and Illinois.
What Fans Are Saying
Fans on social media have expressed their excitement and enthusiasm about these new cheese-stuffed Shaq-a-Roni breadsticks. Comments focus on the appearance of the golden, cheese-filled sticks, saying that they look really delicious. One fan was optimistic that with one of the select locations being in a neighboring state, they might have the chance to try out the breadsticks. Overall, fans voiced their eagerness to try the new Shaq-a-Roni breadsticks since they are already big fans of Papa John’s Pizza.
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This new product launch may have been kept underhyped but it sure serves as a reminder of how Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal has helped the pizza brand tremendously throughout his five-year involvement in Papa John’s Board of Directors.
O’Neal’s position went beyond just being a celebrity endorser and brand ambassador for Papa John’s; he also took an active role in promoting diversity and inclusion within the company. His presence on the board brought a fresh, relatable, and trustworthy face to the brand, attracting new customers and re-engaging existing ones. This ultimately helped repair Papa John’s tarnished reputation after founder John Schnatter’s controversial remarks.
Remember The Shaq-a-Roni Pizza?
Before the Shaq-a-Roni Sticks, there was the Shaq-a-Roni pizza, which was known for its extra-large size, generous toppings, and Shaq-sized slices. When Papa John’s and Shaquille O’Neal came out with the Shaq-a-Roni, it was more than just a celebrity-endorsed product. It became an instant hit among fans, but its impact extended beyond the sales.
O’Neal and Papa John’s used the Shaq-a-Roni to support community initiatives. A portion of the proceeds from each Shaq-a-Roni pizza sold was donated to The Papa John’s Foundation for Building Community, which focuses on initiatives like youth development, food security, and social equity. O’Neal’s involvement in these initiatives also had a focus on youth entrepreneurship, youth leadership, and more. This approach helped not only to boost sales but also to strengthen the company’s commitment to giving back and making a positive difference in communities across the United States and Internationally.
The Shaq-a-Roni showed how teaming up with a celebrity can do more than just advertise—it can really make a positive change. Now, Papa John’s and the former Basketball Superstar are back with Shaq-a-Roni Sticks, which will likely become another popular choice that we hope will get a wider release. To learn more about this new launch from Papa John’s, visit their official website and follow their social platforms.
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From The Club
It’s amazing how Shaquille O’Neal made a huge impact on Papa John’s. He wasn’t just a Papa John’s board member; he also served as an avenue for change within the company and beyond. It’s sad that he had to leave, but it seems that he did leave a lasting change in the company. I wasn’t a fan before, but I am now. If only I was near one of the locations that have the breadsticks, I’d surely give them a try. It didn’t really say if the breadsticks are only available for a limited time or that if they’re just being tested. I hope they become a permanent menu item, so I can somehow find a way to try them, because they do look promising.
Image and tip courtesy of @markie_devo