On Tuesday, Krispy Kreme announced that Shaquille “The Big Aristotle” O’Neal has become the owner of the historic Atlanta store located on Ponce de Leon Avenue.
Now the NBA Hall of Famer can dunk donuts like he ferociously dunked on his opponents during his playing career. Interestingly enough, O’Neal’s passion for the brand is right up there with his love for basketball.
“Have you ever seen a kid in a toy store?” O’Neal said. “That’s how I feel in this Krispy Kreme restaurant. I love Krispy Kreme doughnuts. I can’t even count how many years I’ve been eating them.”
O’Neal’s partnership with Krispy Kreme further adds to his celebrity outside of the game. He’s had a rap album reach platinum status. He has starred in Hollywood films. He has had his own video game. He’s stepped in the ring at WrestleMania. And now, he can add ‘Krispy Kreme owner’ to his legacy.
O’Neal isn’t the only one excited about the new relationship. Krispy Kreme is so thrilled that they announced a social media promotion called “Shaq-or-Treat” for Halloween. Fans of the brand who tag their Halloween social media posts with #ShaqOrTreat between Oct. 28 and 31 can win prizes.
“Krispy Kreme prides itself on spreading joy and supporting local communities, and that’s a cause that I am thrilled to be a part of,” said O’Neal. “Our goal is to help people find their happy place, and what better way than with a box of delicious Krispy Kreme doughnuts.”
Here’s one more action shot for good measure.
The love affair runs deep, folks.
Photos via Krispy Kreme
Joshua Caudill is a writer for CraveOnline, a hockey fanatic, a pro wrestling connoisseur and an expert on all things Patrick Swayze. You can follow him on Twitter @JoshuaCaudill85 or “like” CraveOnline Sports on Facebook.
