Papa Johns Has a New Menu Item Fans Say Is a ‘Need’

One thing to love about chain restaurants is that they’re consistent. Venturing out to a new pizza place doesn’t always result in love at first slice, and even frozen pies can be just a bit off sometimes. But when it comes to popular pizza chains, even if it’s been years since you last ordered, you can usually count on the pizza to have the same taste that drew you in the first time. 

But just because you can expect the pizza always to taste the same doesn’t mean the company never innovates. In 2020 Papa Johns launched the Papadilla, and since then, the store has had several menu updates that fans can enjoy alongside their tried-and-true favorites. The chain has launched burger-inspired items and even cheesecake dessert rolls to fill out our dinner orders. 

Now, we’re hearing that a new Papa Johns menu addition is being tested in select markets, and we’re already envious that it’s not yet available nationwide. 

Papa Johns Shaq-a-Roni Stuffed Sticks

According to snack reviewer @markiedevo’s latest post, a new pizza-inspired side might be coming to Papa Johns in the future. The popular chain has teamed up with Shaq to add a new dippable option to the lineup. Shaq-a-Roni Stuffed Sticks are made with Papa Johns’ signature fresh dough and filled with pepperoni and cheese. The stuffed breadsticks are then baked until golden brown and drizzled with garlic parmesan sauce for a flavorful and glossy finish. The sticks will come with a side of Papa Johns’ original pizza sauce for dipping. 

In the Instagram post caption, the reviewer stated Papa Johns told them that the new item is only available in select locations at this time. So far, the Shaq-a-Roni Stuffed Sticks have been spotted in North Dakota, Illinois, Kentucky, and South Carolina.

While you wait for these to hopefully hit your local store, you can always snag an order of Papa Bites as your next best choice. The bite-sized rolls are stuffed with pizza toppings and come in multiple flavors, including the new Bacon Cheesy Burger option, which rolled out when the fan-favorite Cheesy Burger pizza returned to stores last month.