Shaq joins Papa John's board of directors
Papa John's announced Shaquille O'Neal as its newest board member Friday.
The NBA legend will also invest in nine Papa John's restaurants in the Atlanta area and serve as a brand ambassador for the pizza chain.
"I look forward to working with my colleagues on the board and using my experience in business and community to build on the progress being made at Papa John's," O'Neal said in a statement. "Papa John's is building a better culture, and I want to be a part of improving the company from the inside out."
The addition of O'Neal comes eight months after Papa John's founder John Schnatter resigned as chairman after admitting to using a racial slur on a conference call. Schnatter recently reached a settlement with Papa John's to resign from its board of directors and agreed to drop two lawsuits against the company.
Time for a pizza party! I’m excited to join @PapaJohns as a member of the Board of Directors and investor in 9 stores in #Atlanta. Excited to work with Papa John’s team members and customers - more here: https://t.co/PRXG7ORtFk pic.twitter.com/c5uj5BRuQ1
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) March 22, 2019
O'Neal has plenty of experience in the restaurant industry. He owns a Krispy Kreme Doughnuts franchise in Atlanta and is the founder and owner of Big Chicken in Las Vegas and Shaquille's in Los Angeles. He previously owned 27 Five Guys franchises as well.