Get ready for a slam dunk of flavor—Papa Johns is bringing back its massively popular Shaq-a-Roni Pizza, and fans everywhere are cheering. Co-created with basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal, this oversized, extra-cheesy pie returns to menus nationwide for a limited time, packing big taste and even bigger slices for just $12.99.
What Makes Papa Johns’ Shaq-a-Roni Pizza Stand Out From the Rest?
Papa Johns’ Shaq-a-Roni Pizza is a bold, 16-inch New York-style creation dreamed up with basketball icon Shaquille O’Neal. This fan-favorite pie packs a punch with over 60 pepperoni slices—25% more than a standard one-topping pizza—along with extra cheese, all spread across eight oversized, foldable slices. Priced at just $12.99, this supersized pizza delivers serious value, and customers can even personalize it with extra toppings for an additional cost.
Where and When to Get Papa Johns’ Shaq-a-Roni Pizza
Starting April 14th, fans can get their hands on the Shaq-a-Roni Pizza at all Papa John’s locations across the United States by ordering through the chain’s website or mobile app. This crowd-pleasing favorite is only available for a limited time, so don’t wait too long—grab yours while it lasts.
Is the Hype Real? What People Are Saying About Shaq-a-Roni
Papa Johns’ Shaq-a-Roni Pizza has sparked a range of reactions from fans, with some praising its indulgent appeal while others point out areas that could use a bit of fine-tuning.
What Fans Love
One of the standout features that customers seem to enjoy is the pizza’s generous portion of toppings. With a hefty layer of pepperoni and an extra helping of cheese, the Shaq-a-Roni delivers on quantity, making it a popular pick for those who want a filling, bold-flavored option. Its large, foldable slices—reminiscent of classic New York-style pizza—also add to the appeal. Many feel that the $12.99 price tag offers solid value considering the pizza’s size and topping volume.
Points of Critique
However, not all feedback has been glowing. Some customers have commented on the sweetness of the sauce, which doesn’t align with everyone’s palate. The pizza’s high grease content has also been flagged by a few, suggesting it might be better suited for those who prefer a more indulgent experience. Additionally, while the Shaq-a-Roni is a satisfying pepperoni pizza, some feel it doesn’t quite differentiate itself enough from other menu staples to truly stand out.
How Shaq-a-Roni Became a Papa Johns Icon
The Shaq-a-Roni Pizza debuted in June 2020, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s history. Conceived by Shaquille O’Neal himself, who joined Papa Johns’ board of directors and became a franchise owner in 2019, the pizza was designed to offer a larger-than-life dining experience.
Beyond its impressive size and flavor, the Shaq-a-Roni Pizza was introduced with a philanthropic mission. For every pizza sold, Papa Johns pledged to donate $1 to The Papa John’s Foundation for Building Community, supporting causes such as COVID-19 relief, the fight against racial injustice, and organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the United Negro College Fund.
Since its launch, the Shaq-a-Roni has become a recurring favorite, returning annually for limited-time runs. Its 2025 return marks its sixth consecutive year on the menu, reinforcing Papa Johns’ commitment to combining indulgent offerings with community support.