*Shaquille O’Neal is scaling new heights with his fast-growing restaurant chain, Big Chicken. Since its debut in Las Vegas in 2018, the franchise has ballooned, with over 350 locations now in development nationwide.
As BET.com reports, the brand’s appeal lies in its hearty, flavor-packed menu, featuring standout dishes like the “Big Aristotle,” a fried chicken sandwich loaded with bacon, macaroni and cheese, and crispy onions, and the “Charles Barkley,” which pairs fried chicken with roasted garlic BBQ aioli and crispy onions.
The menu’s creativity and generous portions have fueled its rapid expansion, drawing crowds eager for a taste of Shaq’s vision. Yet, this venture is just one piece of O’Neal’s sprawling business empire. With an estimated net worth surpassing $400 million, the NBA legend’s success extends far beyond the basketball court. His investments span Auntie Anne’s, Five Guys, Papa John’s, Krispy Kreme, fitness centers, car washes, apparel, and tech.
Meanwhile, we reported earlier that O’Neal has his sights set on a new title: Professor O’Neal.
During a recent episode of Inside the NBA, O’Neal made a heartfelt declaration about his academic and professional aspirations. Wearing an Alabama State University sweater and flashing a fraternity salute, the Hall of Famer surprised viewers with a bold statement.
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“From now I would like to be addressed as Professor O’Neal because when I graduate in two years, I will leave you and become a college professor on mentorship and business administration,” he told co-host Ernie Johnson, AfroTech reports.
O’Neal is currently pursuing studies at Alabama State, an HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), and hopes to translate his decades of business acumen and life experience into classroom lessons for the next generation. On an episode of The Big Podcast with Shaq, he shared a personal story about needing to take summer courses at Southern University to complete his degree from LSU. That experience left a lasting impression.
“I always supported [HBCUs]. It was an HBCU that helped me graduate from LSU,” he explained.
“Going there, the flavor, the feeling-like, sometimes I sit and I say, ‘Man, I wish I would’ve went to an HBCU. Because I went to the HBCU tournament when it was in Atlanta a couple weeks ago. And the DJs, the culture, the band, the cheerleaders-it’s just fun. And I’m a really big supporter of HBCUs,” Shaq added.
He told The Athletic that he sees his job as “preparing these student-athletes for life on and off the court.”
Shaq has consistently given back, from donating 2,000 pairs of shoes to underprivileged children at Camp Grace this year to purchasing homes, furniture, gaming consoles, and laptops for those in need, per BET.com.
As Big Chicken continues to expand, O’Neal’s blend of entrepreneurial drive and generosity sets him apart. His growing franchise empire and unwavering dedication to helping others solidify his legacy as a sports icon and a cultural force who leaves a lasting impact both in business and in communities across the country.
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: Shaquille O’Neal Eyes Professorship After Graduation from Alabama State, Vows to Teach Mentorship and Business
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