LOUISVILLE, KY. – On June 29 Papa John’s announced it will collaborate with board member and franchise owner Shaquille O’Neal on the launch of the new Shaq-a-Roni Pizza. The team designed the pizza to deliver a bigger eating experience. Through Aug. 23, 2020, Papa John’s will donate $1 from every Shaq-a-Roni sold to The Papa John’s Foundation for Building Community, which supports communities as they work together for equality, fairness, respect and opportunity for all.

O’Neal conceived the extra-large pizza himself. Extra cheese and extra pepperoni will top the chain’s fresh six-ingredient dough. Pizza makers will then cut it into Papa John’s largest slices to date.

“It was important to me for the Shaq-a-Roni to be bigger than just pizza. By giving my new pie a try, one dollar will be donated to The Papa John’s Foundation for Building Community to support COVID-19 relief, the fight against racial injustice, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, UNCF (United Negro College Fund) and general community involvement,” O’Neal said.

Papa John’s began its partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of America last year with the inaugural national day of service. For 2020, Papa John’s has committed a two-year grant of $500,000 to UNCF to support their mission to provide equal access to college education and $500,000 to Boys & Girls Clubs of America to help fund leadership development programs and the learning experience for youth and communities.

“From the Papa John’s Foundation to the efforts of our local franchisees and team members, Papa John’s is committed to supporting our communities, especially during this challenging time in our country,” said Rob Lynch, president and chief executive officer of Papa John’s. “We’re excited to combine all the best ingredients for coming together in support of our neighbors - a Shaq-sized pizza, topped with extra ingredients, with a donation from every purchase going back into our communities.”