Shaq-a-Roni Pizza Back at Papa Johns for 5th Year
Papa Johns has reintroduced its iconic Shaq-a-Roni pizza for a limited time in the United States as it celebrates its fifth anniversary on the menu this fall. Developed alongside famed basketball player and Papa Johns franchisee Shaquille O’Neal, every Shaq-a-Roni sold helps raise funds for The Papa Johns Foundation.
“I’m thrilled to see the Shaq-a-Roni return for another year,” Shaquille O’Neal expressed. “This initiative goes beyond just offering delicious pizza; it’s a way to give back to the communities that are so important to us.”
Papa Johns Foundation and Its Community Efforts
The Papa Johns Foundation plays a crucial role in enhancing community welfare by implementing projects that focus on youth leadership, entrepreneurship, and battling food insecurity. Over the past four years, special sales of the Shaq-a-Roni pizza have contributed approximately $13.1 million to these noble causes.
In addition, the foundation has invested more than $4 million in its Building Community Fund, which provides grants aimed at aiding local community initiatives organized by franchisees.
“Our commitment is to foster unity through pizza, which provides a wonderful opportunity to highlight pressing community challenges,” remarked Jennifer Garner, Senior Director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Papa Johns. “The partnership with Shaquille O’Neal exemplifies how a beloved product can create positive change.”
Support for Nonprofits Through Community Fund
This year, more than 250 nonprofit organizations across the United States are reaping the benefits of the Building Community Fund. A major focus remains on alleviating child food insecurity, which involves partnerships with organizations such as Boys & Girls Clubs of Newark and Kids’ Meals, Inc. in Houston.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Newark has initiated the “Healthy Living Through Access and Nutritional Education” program. This effort seeks to instruct young people about healthy living through engaging activities like cooking demonstrations and gardening projects. Meanwhile, Kids’ Meals, Inc. is receiving funds to fortify their Healthy Meal Delivery program aimed at combating childhood hunger by delivering nutritious meals to the homes of at-risk preschool children in Houston.
Exploring the Shaq-a-Roni Pizza
The Shaq-a-Roni pizza is a fan-favorite, featuring an extra-large size made from Papa Johns’ fresh, never frozen, six-ingredient dough. The pizza is generously topped with extra cheese and more than 60 pepperonis, and is cut into eight slices for sharing. Starting from October 14, the Shaq-a-Roni will be available to Papa Rewards members and will be open to all customers nationwide from October 21 for a price of $12.99.
About Papa Johns
Founded in 1984, Papa John’s International, Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZA) has established itself with a mission centered around Better Ingredients, Better Pizza®. Believing in the importance of high-quality ingredients, Papa Johns uses only the finest six ingredients for their original dough, which is always fresh and never frozen. The company adheres to strict standards, removing artificial flavors and synthetic colors from its food menu, setting a trend in the pizza delivery industry.
Papa Johns is co-headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and Louisville, Kentucky, making it the third-largest pizza delivery company globally, with approximately 5,900 locations in 50 countries. To explore their menu or order online, visit the official site.
About The Papa Johns Foundation
Established in 2019, The Papa Johns Foundation aims to uplift communities while promoting equality, dignity, and opportunity for all. Fostering empowered communities is central to their mission, focusing on partnerships that align with initiatives around Youth Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Food Security, and Food Waste Reduction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Shaq-a-Roni pizza?
The Shaq-a-Roni pizza is an extra-large pizza topped with extra cheese and over 60 pepperonis, cut into eight slices, designed in collaboration with Shaquille O'Neal.
How does the Shaq-a-Roni pizza help communities?
For each Shaq-a-Roni sold, Papa Johns donates $1 to The Papa Johns Foundation, which supports various community initiatives focused on food insecurity and youth entrepreneurship.
When will the Shaq-a-Roni pizza be available?
The Shaq-a-Roni will be available to Papa Rewards members starting October 14 and will be open to all customers starting October 21.
What initiatives does The Papa Johns Foundation support?
The foundation focuses on youth leadership, food security, and reducing food waste, providing grants to nonprofit organizations across the United States.
What is Papa Johns' commitment to ingredients?
Papa Johns is dedicated to using high-quality, fresh ingredients, removing artificial components, and ensuring their food maintains a superior quality standard.
