Shaquille O'Neal Is the Proud New Owner of a Krispy Kreme

Four-time NBA champion actor (remember Kazaam?) Shaquille O’Neal has one more thing to add to add to his resume: doughnut shop owner. A longtime Krispy Kreme fan, O'Neal now owns his very own Krispy Kreme shop in Atlanta. This particular doughnut shop has the distinction of being Atlanta’s original Krispy Kreme and has occupied its spot on Ponce de Leon Avenue for 60 years. The athletic superstar is not just the new owner of the historic shop, but has also signed on as the official global sponsor of the Krispy Kreme brand, which will have him spreading the word on the delights of Krispy Kreme in Atlanta and beyond.

“In addition to Shaquille’s status as a sports and entertainment icon and businessman, he is known for spreading joy, which aligns with our positioning and mission,” said Tony Thompson, President and CEO of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. “We are confident this partnership will have a big impact for us in Atlanta and around the world.” Truer words.

Krispy Kreme customers who use the hashtag #ShaqOrTreat between October 28 and Halloween will be eligible for “Krispy Kreme surprises” and items autographed by Shaq himself. It's almost as if the one-time genie can now grant wishes IRL—if those wishes involve doughnuts, that is.

ESPN reports that this isn't the first time O'Neal has considered a breakfast partnership. In the 1990s he turned down Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz's offer to be the only franchisee in the company because he didn't think black people drank enough coffee. With Krispy Kreme, though, we know the love is real.