Shaq turns 50! Inside the basketball star’s mega birthday party in Miami Beach
Just as you’d expect from someone seven-foot-one, Shaquille O’Neal went big for his 50th.
The basketball legend rented out Prime 112 in South Beach Sunday night for a blowout to end all blowouts.
The restaurant’s owner Myles Chefetz documented the festivities on Instagram stories, showing how the chichi steakhouse was all done up for the sports star.
Walls in the front foyer were decorated with giant Sports Illustrated magazines that featured Shaq on the cover over the years.
Menu favorites were set out on a large table such as Branzino Francaise, Wild King Salmon and Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings.
Virtual guests included former Miami Heat teammate Dwyane Wade, comedian Kevin Hart and rapper Ludacris.
O’Neal’s fellow “Inside the NBA” analyst Charles Barkley gave a sweet shout out to his longtime pal, saying, “You’ve got one of the best hearts of all the guys I have ever worked with.”
In the flesh attendees included LIV owner Dave Grutman and actor Jonah Hill. The “Wolf of Wall Street” star posed with the gentle giant joking, “Let’s remake ‘Twins,’” referring to the classic Arnold Schwarzenegger- Danny Devito comedy.
The man of the hour’s birthday cake was not shaped like a basketball court, but a Pepsi can, one of the many brands Shaq endorses.
Perhaps the most touching tribute came from Chefetz who posted a picture of the two of them and wrote how big a deal this party was: He said that in the SoBe restaurant’s 18 year history, the main room has never been shut down for the entire evening (Drake famously rented out the bar a few months ago).
“I’ve met too many celebrities over these years to count,” said Chefetz’s glowing caption. “Shaq not only stands at the top in stature but also in character. I’ve never once seen him turn down an autograph or request for a photo. He’s not only one of the greatest to ever do it on the hardwood but also in his business career.
“Sounds cliché but it really couldn’t happen to a nicer guy. Thank you for all that you have done for Prime 112 and for Miami. Here’s to 50 more. Big!!!”
This story was originally published March 8, 2022 at 12:47 PM.
