1851

Historically, franchising and professional athletes have made&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/5-athletes-who-became-franchisees-2718067">a winning team</a>. The franchised business model offers former pros the chance to invest their impressive earnings in a long-term, reliable and oftentimes passive investment. NBA star&nbsp;<a href="https://shaq.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=a-deep-dive-into-the-food-franchises-shaq-owns-2720902" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Shaquille O’Neal</a> is one of the most famous examples of this match-up. With a reported net worth of some $400 million, much of which is tied up in franchising, O’Neal said he officially makes more annually from his business investments than he did from his $30 million-a-year basketball paycheck.&nbsp;“The franchise is a simple model,” O’Neal told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBYryUG_Sq0&amp%3Bab_channel=InternationalFranchiseAssociation&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=a-deep-dive-into-the-food-franchises-shaq-owns-2720902" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CNBC</a>. “If it works, you follow the rules, and it will continue to work. If you stick to the values you’ve learned, you can’t go wrong.”&nbsp;But it's not strictly business for O’Neal. In a 2021 interview in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wsj.com/video/shaquille-oneal-discusses-investing-franchising-and-donuts/8063A172-ABFF-496B-8700-4D51A6234054.html?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=a-deep-dive-into-the-food-franchises-shaq-owns-2720902" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The Wall Street Journal</a>, O’Neal said: “Whenever I do business, it’s not about the money. I heard Jeff Bezos say one time when he was talking – he says he makes his investment based on if it’s going to change people’s lives for the better. And once I started doing the strategy, I think I probably quadrupled what I’m worth now.”So, the million-dollar question: which franchise concepts have been Shaq-approved? Here is a dive into his past and present portfolio.<a href="https://development.focusbrands.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=a-deep-dive-into-the-food-franchises-shaq-owns-2720902" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Auntie Anne’s</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://1851-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/story/editor/1674782507_1851 auntie anne's.png"></figure>Auntie Anne’s is a snack franchise known for its fresh, hot-out-of-the-oven soft pretzels, pretzel dogs, pretzel bites and beverages. In 1988, the brand was started when Auntie Anne Beiler and Jonas Beiler started selling pretzels and lemonade at farmers’ markets in Pennsylvania. The next year, the pair began franchising the idea. Today, Auntie Anne’s has 1,930 units and while O’Neal previously owned 17 of those locations — nine in Michigan and eight in Buffalo, N.Y — he just recently sold them. When it comes to his reasoning, he gave&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XByJpQzl2DY&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=a-deep-dive-into-the-food-franchises-shaq-owns-2720902" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Earn Your Leisure podcast</a> a hilariously honest answer: “I sold my Auntie Anne’s. Because Black people don’t like pretzels that much. So I had to switch it up.”As a business model, Auntie Anne’s stands out by offering franchisees multiple venue options, whether it be opening at an urban street site, a college or university, a shopping mall, an outlet center, an airport, a train station, a travel plaza, entertainment center, food truck, pop-up store, or commissary location. The brand has also worked to diversify the menu and offer catering to provide varying income streams for owners.The cost to open an Auntie Anne’s is between $146,050 to $523,500, including a franchise fee of $30,000. The liquid capital required is around $120,000, and the net worth requirement is $300,000. As of 2022, the average revenue per Enclosed Mall location was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.franchisechatter.com/2022/09/11/fdd-talk-auntie-annes-franchise-costs-fees-average-revenues-and-or-profits-2022-review/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=a-deep-dive-into-the-food-franchises-shaq-owns-2720902" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">$636,952</a>.<a href="https://www.franchisehelp.com/franchises/krispy-kreme/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=a-deep-dive-into-the-food-franchises-shaq-owns-2720902" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Krispy Kreme</a><img src="https://1851-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/story/editor/1674782811_1851 krispy kreme.jpeg">Krispy Kreme is an 83-year-old donut franchise with 363 units across the country. Known for its fresh, hot and melt-in-your-mouth donuts, the brand has a uniquely beloved reputation and was recently ranked the No. 1 most intimate fast food brand in&nbsp;<a href="https://mblm.com/lab/brandintimacy-study/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=a-deep-dive-into-the-food-franchises-shaq-owns-2720902" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">MBLM’s Brand Intimacy 2022 Study</a>, the largest study of brands based on emotions.&nbsp;O’Neal only currently owns one location in Atlanta but says he would like to own many more and told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wsj.com/video/shaquille-oneal-discusses-investing-franchising-and-donuts/8063A172-ABFF-496B-8700-4D51A6234054.html?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=a-deep-dive-into-the-food-franchises-shaq-owns-2720902" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The Wall Street Journal</a> that Krispy Kreme is his favorite business endeavor. “I like doughnuts, and Charles Barkley loves doughnuts,” he said. “And he’s my biggest customer. I wanna be a large part of that business.”The estimated total investment necessary to begin the operation of a Krispy Kreme franchise ranges from $440,500 to $3,410,000, depending on the type of location. Krispy Kreme requires you to have a net worth of at least 2 million dollars and a liquid capital of at least $300,000. The average Krispy Kreme franchise made<a href="https://investors.krispykreme.com/news-releases/news-release-details/krispy-kreme-reports-strong-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-2021?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=a-deep-dive-into-the-food-franchises-shaq-owns-2720902" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> $3.6 million in sales in 2021</a>.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.papajohns.com/franchise/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=a-deep-dive-into-the-food-franchises-shaq-owns-2720902" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Papa John’s</a><img src="https://1851-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/story/editor/1674782912_papa johns.png">Founded in 1985, Papa John’s is one of the largest pizza delivery companies in the world with more than 5,000 stores around the globe. O’Neal owns nine Papa John’s pizza franchise locations, which equals holdings worth in the neighborhood of $7 million. In addition to franchising with the concept, O'Neal also acts as a&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/can-shaq-really-save-the-still-struggling-papa-johns-2710673">celebrity endorser</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/papa-johns-announces-its-newest-board-member-shaq-2709489">a board member</a> — he just recently resigned an endorsement deal worth $5.63 million.&nbsp;The Papa John’s brand spent the past few years in hot water after its very&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/papa-john-s-john-schnatter-is-harming-company-2707712">public fallout</a> with its founder John Schattner. While it's hard to say if Shaq has fully revitalized the franchise’s image, the company has seen a nearly 8% increase in franchise units over the past three years.&nbsp;The initial investment to join a Papa John’s franchise comes in at $200,000 to $789,000, including an initial franchise fee of $25,000. The net worth requirement is $750,000, and the liquid capital requirement is $250,000. According to the brand’s 2022 FDD, the 2,219 franchised restaurants saw average unit sales of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.franchisechatter.com/2022/12/03/fdd-talk-papa-johns-franchise-costs-fees-average-revenues-and-or-profits-2022-review/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=a-deep-dive-into-the-food-franchises-shaq-owns-2720902" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">$1,120,496</a>.<a href="https://www.fiveguys.com/contact-us/franchisee-form?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=a-deep-dive-into-the-food-franchises-shaq-owns-2720902" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Five Guys</a><img src="https://1851-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/story/editor/1674783015_five guys.jpeg">Five Guys, the fast-casual burger chain with 1,600 units worldwide, was founded in 1986 and started franchising in 2002. The company is known for its special burgers that are made-to-order and are always different, with a quarter of a million possible ways to enjoy a burger in the restaurant.At one point, O’Neal&nbsp;really loved Five Guys and owned a whopping 155 locations, which represented 10% of the total company at the time. Today, he has divested his Five Guys stake and sold his franchises, which were probably worth upwards of $100 million.&nbsp;The initial investment required for a Five Guys franchise ranges from $306,200 to $716,250 and includes an initial franchise fee of $25,000. Net-worth requirements come in at $500,000, and liquid cash requirements at $250,000. The company does not make financial performance representations.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bigchicken.com/franchise-information?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=a-deep-dive-into-the-food-franchises-shaq-owns-2720902" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Big Chicken</a><img src="https://1851-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/story/editor/1674783135_big chicken.png">Big Chicken is an up-and-coming chicken franchise concept started in 2018 by O’Neal himself. The brand specializes in mega-sized chicken sandwiches generously bulked up with items such as coleslaw and macaroni and cheese. O’Neal partnered with Authentic Brands, which is a brand development and entertainment group, and JRS Hospitality, a catering and events company, to kick off the venture.O’Neal is a majority owner of the restaurant brand and has been involved in all aspects of building out the Big Chicken franchise, from naming the chicken sandwiches after people he admires, like the “Charles Barkley” to the sourcing of the supply chain. The Las Vegas-based chain can be found on two Carnival Mardi Gras cruise ships (a company in which O’Neal serves as the Chief Fun officer) and arenas in Seattle and New York, as well as in Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Overall, Big Chicken has already sold over 200 units since franchising last year.&nbsp;The initial investment for the Big Chicken franchise ranges from $450,000 to $1.4 million. That includes the franchise fee, which comes in at $40,000.&nbsp;Related articles:&nbsp;<ul><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/shaq-owned-big-chicken-debuts-first-franchise-location-2719343">Shaq-Owned Big Chicken Debuts First Franchise Location</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/papa-johns-announces-its-newest-board-member-shaq-2709489">Papa John's Announces its Newest Board Member: Shaq</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/former-nba-star-shaquille-oneals-journey-from-athlete-to-franchise-owner-and-papa-johns-board-member-2712075#stories">Former NBA Star Shaquille O’Neal’s Journey From Athlete to Franchise Owner and Papa John’s Board Member</a> &nbsp;</li></ul>

A Deep Dive Into the Food Franchises Shaq Owns

1851 Franchise

Want to be like Shaq but can’t dunk a basketball? Follow in the all-star’s entrepreneurial footsteps by investing in one of the many franchise opportunities he has been involved with over the years. 

a-deep-dive-into-the-food-franchises-shaq-owns

Strategic Franchising

How To Build a Strong Franchise Brand Presence in Your Local Community

how-to-build-a-strong-franchise-brand-presence-in-your-local-community

Layne's Chicken Fingers

Photo with Layne's Chicken Fingers logo, Eric Reed, Kordell Snyder, and Justin Olivieri

Layne’s Chicken Fingers Supports Franchisees With Top-Notch Development Team

laynes-franchise-development-support

Children's Lighthouse

image of latisha king from children's lighthouse Franchise coaching initiative podcast image

Children’s Lighthouse Operations Support Leader Latisha King To Share How the Brand Supports Franchisees With Dedicated Business Coaches

childrens-lighthouse-franchisee-support-business-coach-program

Sola Salons

image of sola salons franchise interior spa services denton texas location

Sola Salons Announces New Franchise Agreement in Denton, Texas: Husband and Wife Team to Bring Revolutionary Salon Concept to Greater Dallas-Fort Worth

sola-salons-denton-texas-franchise-agreement

Fresh Coat

image of 1851 article for fresh coat franchise business leadership group

Meet the Fresh Coat Leadership Team: The Pros Behind the Painting Franchise

fresh-coat-painters-leadership-team

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Extraordinary Brands Acquires CycleBar and Rumble, Shaking Up Boutique Fitness Franchising

extraordinary-brands-cyclebar-rumble-boxing-acquisition

NJCAR v. Ford - New Jersey Supreme Court Limits Standing Under Franchise Practices Act

New Jersey Supreme Court Limits Standing Under Franchise Practices Act

new-jersey-franchise-practices-act-njcar-v-ford

Planet Fitness Franchisees Donate $100K to Support Texas Flood Relief - 1851 Franchise

Planet Fitness Franchisees Donate $100K To Support Texas Flood Relief

planet-fitness-texas-flood-relief

McDonald’s Is the Latest Franchise To Bet Big on Beverages with 500-Store Premium Drink Test

mcdonalds-is-the-latest-franchise-to-bet-big-on-beverages-with-500-store-premium-drink-test

Friendly’s Parent Company Acquired by Multi-Unit Franchisee as More Owners Take the Lead in Brand Acquisitions 

friendlys-parent-company-acquired-by-multi-unit-franchisee-as-more-owners-take-the-lead-in-brand-acquisitions

Top 25 Franchise Marketing Leaders: Kelsey McManemin — Vice President of Marketing, HTeaO

top-25-franchise-marketing-leaders-kelsey-mcmanemin-vice-president-of-marketing-hteao

Top 25 Franchise Marketing Leaders: Cathy Chavenet — Chief Marketing Officer, Paris Baguette

top-25-franchise-marketing-leaders-cathy-chavenet-chief-marketing-officer-paris-baguette

Top 25 Franchise Marketing Leaders: Jack Mashini — Co-Founder, Wing Snob

top-25-franchise-marketing-leaders-jack-mashini-co-founder-wing-snob

DevHub - Meet the Supplier - 1851 Franchise

DevHub: Scalable Digital Marketing for Franchises and Multi-Location Brands

devhub-meet-the-supplier

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores - Agg - 1851 Franchise

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores

hooters-franchise-model-company-owned-closures

Hely and Hiral Patel Bring Their Longtime Dream to Life With The Brass Tap

brass-tap-franchise-pasadena-maryland-hely-hiral-patel

Navy Veteran and Professional Artist Couple Open Caring Transitions in Texas

Navy Veteran and Professional Artist Couple Set Out to Build a Purpose-Driven Business With Caring Transitions in Texas

navy-veteran-and-professional-artist-couple-set-out-to-build-a-purpose-driven-business-with-caring-transitions-in-texas

911 Restoration Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

911-restoration-franchise-deep-dive

Jollibee -Launch-Story-Brand-Page-Deep-Dive-2025

Jollibee Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

jollibee-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-for-2025

Rising Jobless Claims Could Signal Challenges — and Opportunities — for Franchising

A Deep Dive Into the Food Franchises Shaq Owns

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS