I think this is the part where you’re reminded what the tag says on your red hat. Made in Ch….shhhhhhhh
Shaq was a great BBall player and he’s funny as hell on TV, but part of what makes him funny is he’s dumb AF and he owns it. So he fits right in with the typical celebrity trumptard. Kanye, kid rock, Shaq, my pillow guy…etc. there’s a good reason the eagles said F you to a White House visit.
Dumb as fck?
Shaquille O'Neal has built a diverse business empire, but the exact number of businesses he owns is not precisely documented in available sources, as his portfolio includes franchises, investments, and partnerships that fluctuate over time. Estimates from various reports suggest he has owned or invested in over 50 brands or ventures at different points, though not all are currently active ownerships. Here’s a breakdown of key ventures based on recent data:
- **Franchises**:
- **Big Chicken**: Co-founded in 2018, a fast-casual chain with 10+ locations.[](https://sharpsheets.io/blog/what-franchises-does-shaq-oneal-own/)[](https://sportsbrief.com/nba/35604-what-companies-shaq-find-information-here/)
- **Papa John’s**: Owns 9 franchises in Atlanta and serves as a brand ambassador.[](https://sharpsheets.io/blog/what-franchises-does-shaq-oneal-own/)[](https://sportsbrief.com/nba/35604-what-companies-shaq-find-information-here/)
- **Auntie Anne’s**: Owns 17 pretzel franchises.[](https://sharpsheets.io/blog/what-franchises-does-shaq-oneal-own/)[](https://sportsbrief.com/nba/35604-what-companies-shaq-find-information-here/)
- **Krispy Kreme**: Owns at least one franchise in Atlanta, with interest in more.[](https://sportsbrief.com/nba/35604-what-companies-shaq-find-information-here/)[](https://www.vettedbiz.com/what-brands-does-shaq-own/)
- **Five Guys**: Previously owned 155 locations (10% of the chain) but sold them by 2016.[](https://sharpsheets.io/blog/what-franchises-does-shaq-oneal-own/)[](https://english.elpais.com/sports/2022-06-23/shaquille-oneal-the-king-of-franchises-155-burger-joints-40-gyms-and-a-fortune-of-400-million.html)
- **24-Hour Fitness**: Owned 40 gyms at one point, though current ownership is unclear.[](https://www.blackenterprise.com/a-breakdown-of-shaquille-oneals-franchise-ventures-2/)[](https://moneymade.io/learn/article/shaq-net-worth)
- **Car Washes**: Reported to own ~150 car washes, though exact current status varies.[](https://wolfoffranchises.com/shaq-franchises/)[](https://english.elpais.com/sports/2022-06-23/shaquille-oneal-the-king-of-franchises-155-burger-joints-40-gyms-and-a-fortune-of-400-million.html)
- **Other Ventures**:
- **Authentic Brands Group**: Second-largest shareholder, with stakes in Reebok, JCPenney, Forever 21, and others.[](https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/shaquille-o-neal-became-second-215546746.html)[](https://footwearnews.com/business/retail/shaquille-oneal-abg-reebok-jcpenney-forever-21-1203216409/)
- **Shaquille’s Restaurant**: Owns a restaurant in Las Vegas.[](https://sportsbrief.com/nba/35604-what-companies-shaq-find-information-here/)
- **Tech Investments**: Early stakes in Google, Apple, Lyft, and Ring (sold to Amazon).[](https://www.vettedbiz.com/what-brands-does-shaq-own/)
- **Real Estate**: Owns The O’Neal Group, with projects like The Met Miami and affordable housing in Newark.[](https://moneyinc.com/shaquille-oneal-entrepreneur/)[](https://moneymade.io/learn/article/shaq-net-worth)
- **Miscellaneous**: Owns a movie theater (CityPlex12 in Newark), nightclubs in Las Vegas, and a shopping center.[](https://wolfoffranchises.com/shaq-franchises/)[](https://english.elpais.com/sports/2022-06-23/shaquille-oneal-the-king-of-franchises-155-burger-joints-40-gyms-and-a-fortune-of-400-million.html)
- **Historical Claims**: In a 2020 interview for “Shaq Life,” O’Neal claimed to own around 50 brands, including franchises, real estate, and investments. This number may have grown or shifted due to sales (e.g., Five Guys) or new ventures (e.g., Big Chicken expansion).[](https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/which-50-brands-shaquille-o-neal-own-taking-closer-look-companies-owned-nba-legend)
**Estimate**: Actively owned businesses likely number in the dozens, with ~20-30 franchises (Papa John’s, Auntie Anne’s, Krispy Kreme, Big Chicken) and 10-20 other ventures (restaurants, real estate, retail stakes). Precise counts are hard to pin down because O’Neal diversifies through minority stakes and partnerships, not always outright ownership. His net worth, estimated at $400M+, reflects this broad portfolio.[](https://english.elpais.com/sports/2022-06-23/shaquille-oneal-the-king-of-franchises-155-burger-joints-40-gyms-and-a-fortune-of-400-million.html)[](https://www.vettedbiz.com/what-brands-does-shaq-own/)
If you want specifics on a sector (e.g., restaurants, tech), I can dig deeper. What’s your interest in Shaq’s ventures?
_Disclaimer: Grok is not a financial adviser; please consult one. Don't share information that can identify you._