How to allow & symbol when using htmlspecialchars()

I am using htmlspecialchars() on my site to display status post from users. The status post is being saved to my database and pulled to show in their timeline.

I'm using laravel 5.3

The problem is if someone post something like: Netflix & Chill, this turns into Netflix & Chill

How can i still use htmlspecialchars() so that I can keep my site safe, but still show the proper text instead of turning even & symbol into &

via Chebli Mohamed