Shaq-A-Roni Returns to Papa John’s

Papa John’s Shaq-a-Roni Pizza: A Bigger, Bolder Slice of Flavor

The Shaq-a-Roni Pizza is more than just another menu item at Papa John’s — it’s a bold, oversized creation designed in collaboration with NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal.

First introduced in 2020, Papa John’s Shaq-a-Roni returns to the Papa Johns menu for a limited time starting Monday, April 14, 2025.

The Shaq-a-Roni is extra-large and packed with toppings. It combines pizza innovation with a charitable mission. It quickly became a fan favorite for its flavor and purpose.

What Is the Shaq-a-Roni Pizza?

The Shaq-a-Roni is Papa John’s extra-large pizza topped with extra cheese and extra pepperoni, all spread to the edge of an oversized, thin crust. The pizza is cut into larger slices, resulting in fewer but more filling pieces. This design maximizes flavor. It delivers a satisfying eating experience. It lives up to Shaq’s name.

The crust is thinner than the regular Papa John’s pan or hand-tossed crust, providing a crisp base that balances the overload of cheese and pepperoni. The pepperonis are edge-to-edge, ensuring each bite comes loaded with flavor. It’s essentially a celebration of more — more cheese, more meat, and more surface area.

Shaquille O’Neal’s Involvement

Shaquille O’Neal joined Papa John’s as a board member and brand ambassador in 2019. The launch of the Shaq-a-Roni was a collaborative effort between Papa John’s and Shaq, who played a key role in both its development and its promotion. His vision was simple: create a pizza that’s bigger, better, and gives back.

Shaq’s charisma, influence, and love for pizza helped create buzz around the product, and his fan base across sports, business, and entertainment made the Shaq-a-Roni a cultural talking point. It wasn’t just about putting his name on a pizza — it was about creating something that stands out in quality and purpose.

Purpose Beyond Pizza: A Charitable Cause

One of the biggest draws of the Shaq-a-Roni is its charitable component. For every Shaq-a-Roni sold, Papa John’s donates $1 to the Papa John’s Foundation for Building Community. This initiative supports local organizations focused on youth leadership, entrepreneurship, and equality.

Since its introduction, the campaign has raised millions of dollars to help underserved communities across the U.S. It’s a perfect example of how a product can serve a greater good while also delivering value to customers. This philanthropic angle has only helped elevate the Shaq-a-Roni’s status from just a pizza to a pizza with purpose.

How much is Papa John’s Shaq-a-Roni Pizza

The Shaq-a-Roni at Papa John’s is priced at $12.99.

The Shaq-a-Roni pizza is available for a limited time. It often returns during the NBA season, summer, or other brand events. Considering its size and topping count, many customers find it to be a solid value.

Taste & Texture: Why Fans Love It

The Shaq-a-Roni pizza stands out for its flavor profile and mouthfeel. The generous layer of mozzarella cheese gives it a stretchy, creamy texture that complements the thin, crispy crust. The pepperoni spread edge-to-edge, is slightly crisped on the edges, creating that satisfying bite that meat lovers crave.

By removing the traditional crust border, Papa John’s maximizes the amount of topping per bite — which is exactly what Shaq envisioned: more flavor in every mouthful. Customers often praise the balance of salty and savory, the crispy base, and the overall indulgent feel of the Shaq-a-Roni.

Papa John’s Shaq-a-Roni Pizza customizable options

The Shaq-a-Roni Pizza from Papa John’s is an extra-large, 16-inch pizza topped with extra cheese and over 60 pepperoni slices, cut into eight oversized, foldable slices. While it comes standard with these toppings, customers can customize their Shaq-a-Roni Pizza by adding or removing toppings according to their preferences.

Customization options and associated prices may vary by location.​

Papa John’s Shaq-a-Roni Nutrition Facts

The Shaq-a-Roni Pizza from Papa John’s is a 16-inch extra-large pizza, cut into eight oversized, foldable slices. Each slice contains approximately 390 calories. The macronutrient breakdown per slice is 41% carbohydrates, 43% fat, and 16% protein. This pizza is perfect for big appetites and sharing at parties or game nights.

Marketing & Impact

The Shaq-a-Roni’s marketing has been loud, fun, and everywhere. With Shaq-led ads, bold packaging, and a fun social media push, Papa John’s turned the Shaq-a-Roni into a pop culture hit, reflecting the brand’s bold, inclusive, and community-driven direction.

Food reviewers and influencers on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok praised the pizza, boosting its popularity with younger audiences.

Papa John’s New York Style Pizza offers a delightful twist on the classic Big Apple slice. With its hand-stretched, oversized, foldable slices, this pizza brings the authentic New York experience to your doorstep. Available in various sizes and customizable with a range of toppings, it’s designed to satisfy both traditionalists and adventurous eaters alike.

Why the Shaq-a-Roni Matters

The Shaq-a-Roni isn’t just another promotional pizza — it’s a symbol of what happens when celebrity influence, brand innovation, and social responsibility come together. It delivers on flavor, size, and value while supporting important causes across the country. It’s a bold statement from Papa John’s, and it shows how brands can evolve, connect with their audience, and give back — all with one oversized pizza.

If you’re a fan of pepperoni, a lover of cheese, or just someone who wants to support a good cause with your meal, the Shaq-a-Roni is a must-try when it’s on the menu.

Keep an eye out for its return — and bring a big appetite.