"I just want to make people happy" - Shaquille O'Neal buys washing machine and 70-inch TV for young couple in Dallas
Shaquille O'Neal recently bought a house in the suburbs of Dallas. He already has several ties to Texas, but his business has brought him back to the state. It also didn't take long for O'Neal to showcase his generous side.
According to a report by Page Six, the LA Lakers legend went to Best Buy in Dallas looking for new gadgets. O'Neal ended up chatting with a young couple who were looking to buy a washing machine. The Hall of Fame big man decided to pay for their washing machine, while also gifting them a 70-inch television.
"I just want to make people happy," O'Neal told Page Six.
O'Neal's generosity has grabbed headlines in the last few months. He recently donated his $50,000 DJ fee for his Buffalo show to victims of the mass shooting at a Tops Friendly Markets store. He also went out of his way to pay $2,500 worth of tips to the staff of Jue Lan Club restaurant in New York.
"Always give the waiters big tips because I appreciate them," O'Neal said. "I always ask them and give them the ability to tell me what they want. I asked them, 'What do you want?' Biggest tip you've ever had because I want them to remember me. I always want to leave the impression that I am a nice guy."
In addition to his donations and generous tips, O'Neal made a kid happy last month. He bought him a guitar of his liking after singing Kelly Clarkson's "Since U Been Gone" with him.
@SHAQShaq said he’d buy him the guitar if did a duet with him ❤️ @SHAQ https://t.co/oquwF2EFiI
Why did Shaquille O'Neal buy a house in Dallas?
Less than two years after buying a house in Las Vegas, Shaquille O'Neal bought a new one in Dallas. But why did the four-time NBA champion decide to buy a house in Texas?
5,269 sq. ft.
Shaq has just purchased a mansion in suburban Dallas last listed at $1.22 million.
➖ 5,269 sq. ft.
➖ 5 BR, 6 BA
➖ 3-car garage
➖ Office, theater
➖ Lagoon-style pool
Shaq says one reason for buying the home was the expansion of his Big Chicken restaurant chain to Texas 🍗 https://t.co/IvmLaRTCNN
According to WFAA, the purchase was connected with O'Neal's Big Chicken business. The restaurant chain is set to enter Dallas/Fort Worth and other major Texas markets. Big Chicken is set to have around 50 new franchise units in the area.
"Big Chicken is exactly the kind of brand that succeeds in Texas — pioneering and bold — yet rooted in delicious tradition," president and CEO of Texas Restaurant Association Emily Williams Knight said in a press release. "Our restaurant industry's rich diversity is our greatest strength, and we're absolutely thrilled that Shaquille O’Neal and the Big Chicken team are joining us."
Shaq’s Big Chicken franchise will open 50 new locations in Texas including Dallas! https://t.co/F9ppimikKN
O'Neal founded Big Chicken in 2018 alongside his business partners JRS Hospitality and Authentic Brands Group. The restaurant chain is already in California, Nevada, New York and Washington. In addition to Texas, they will also expand to Arizona, Illinois, Louisiana and Ohio.
"Big Chicken wouldn't be growing like it is without the team behind it," O'Neal said. "My team has done a fantastic job, making sure we're growing in the right way, with the right people."