Shaquille O'Neal now owns a Krispy Kreme store. The basketball Hall of Famer was made a global spokesperson for Krispy Kreme on Oct. 24, 2016, which includes ownership in a historic store that opened in downtown Atlanta in 1964.
ESPN reported that Shaquille O'Neal has long been known for his passion for doughnuts. Before his current status as Krispy Kreme owner, Shaquille O'Neal has been an advocate of the company for years.
NBA Star Shaq Now Owns Most Iconic Krispy Kreme Branch
Shaquille O'Neal said that their goal is to help people look for their happy place, and the best way would be with a box of delicious doughnuts. Tony Thompson, president and CEO of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, said that they are confident that their partnership with the sports and entertainment icon ill have a huge impact in Atlanta and around the world.
Fox News revealed that Krispy Kreme also celebrated Shaquille O'Neal joining the company by announcing a "Shaq-or-Treat" social media promotion for Halloween 2016. Krispy Kreme fans were invited to add the hashtag #ShaqOrTreat to their posts from October 28 to 31 to have a chance to win Shaq-autographed prizes and other sweet treats. Shaq is now promoting the iconic Krispy Kreme store on Ponce de Leon Avenue.
Shaquille O'Neal and Tony Thompson, are both graduates of Louisiana State University. In 2015, the two met by chance on the sideline of an LSU football game and started talking about the doughnut company. Shaquille O'Neal reportedly shared that he was interested in joining the business, which paved the way to his current venture.
In May 2016, Krispy Kreme was bought by JAB Beech. According to Shaquille O'Neal, his current stake in Krispy Kreme may help him get over his past business mistake.
Basketball Legend Magic Johnson Swoops On Starbucks After Shaq Passed On It
In the early 1990s, Howard Schultz, CEO of Starbucks, allegedly offered Shaquille O'Neal the rights to be the sole franchisee of the whole coffee shop business. Shaquille O'Neal, however, turned down the offer, which was subsequently swooped up by basketball legend Magic Johnson.
Shaquille O'Neal has since become better in business. More updates and details on Shaq and his new doughnut business are expected soon.
