# Stuffed Pizza Sticks Papa John’s Teamed Up with Shaq to Create the Shaq-a-Roni Stuffed Sticks By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2024-07-16 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shaqaroni-stuffed-sticks References: [fastfoodclub](https://www.fastfoodclub.com/p/papa-johns-and-shaq-get-back-together-for-new-product-launch/) & [instagram](https://www.instagram.com/p/C9VXaFayRx2/?hl=en)  Though [NBA](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pizza-hut-2) veteran Shaquille O’Neal left [Papa John’s](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cheesy-calzone) Board of Directors back in May, the pizza chain has teamed up with the basketball star yet again to release the new Shaq-a-Roni Stuffed Sticks. Just as the name suggests, the new Shaq-a-Roni Stuffed Sticks, are stuffed dough sticks with a pizza-inspired twist. Each order comes with two breadsticks made with [Papa Johns’s](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/epic-pepperoni-stuffed-crust-pizza) signature fresh dough, stuffed with pepperoni and melted cheese. Each of the sticks is also finished with a garlic parmesan coating and served with a container of the brand's original pizza sauce on the side as a dip. The new Shaq-a-Roni Stuffed Sticks are currently only available at select locations in South Carolina, North Dakota, Kentucky, and Illinois. Image Credit: @markie_devo on Instagram ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.4/10 - Popularity: 82% | Activity: 84% | Freshness: 26% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Celebrity-endorsed Food Products:** Teaming up with high-profile figures like Shaquille O'Neal brings instant brand recognition and a broader consumer reach. - **Stuffed Appetizers:** The trend of stuffing traditional breadsticks with popular pizza ingredients appeals to snack enthusiasts and diversifies menu offerings. - **Regional Product Testing:** Launching limited-time items in select locations allows companies to gauge consumer interest before a nationwide rollout. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Fast Food Chains:** Innovative product collaborations help fast-food chains stand out in a saturated market. - **Celebrity Partnerships:** Collaborating with celebrities provides an edge in marketing and can lead to unique, memorable products. - **Food and Beverage Innovation:** Creating hybrid food items taps into the evolving tastes and preferences of modern consumers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Pepperoni-Filled Pizza Crusts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/epic-pepperoni-stuffed-crust-pizza.md) - [Cheese-Stuffed Pizza Items](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cheesy-calzone.md) - [Extra-Cheesy Pepperoni-Packed Pizzas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/epic-pepperonistuffed-crust-pizza.md) - [Garlic Parmesan Pizza Items](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/epic-stuffed-crust-1.md) - [Cup-Shaped Pepperoni Pizzas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/papa-johns-1.md) - [Snackable Mini Pizza Rolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chicken-parmesan-papa-bites.md) - [Miniature Spicy Pizza Rolls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spicy-pepperoni-rolls.md) - [Cheesy Calzone Bites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cheesy-calzone-papa-bites.md) - [Pepperoni-Packed Pizza Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pepperoni-stuffed-cheesy-bread.md)