Famous people are no strangers to diversifying their income streams, and the restaurant industry has become a popular venture for many. From rappers to athletes, stars are stepping into the world of fast food and casual dining.
Mark Wahlberg – Wahlburgers
Actor Mark Wahlberg, along with his brothers Paul (a chef) and Donnie (also an actor), founded Wahlburgers in 2011. The casual-dining burger restaurant originated in Hingham, Massachusetts, and serves gourmet burgers, sandwiches, and salads, many of which are inspired by the Wahlberg family favorites.
Jimmy Buffett – Margaritaville
Singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville is a restaurant chain with the first opening in Florida in 1985. The menu features American cuisine with a Caribbean twist, such as seafood, burgers, and, of course, margaritas. The brand has since expanded to include hotels, casinos, and retirement communities.
Shaquille O’Neal – Big Chicken
NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal launched Big Chicken in 2018 in Las Vegas. The fast food restaurant specializes in chicken sandwiches, sliders, and tenders, often featuring oversized portions to match Shaq’s larger-than-life personality. Menu items include creative names like “Charles Barkley’ and “Uncle Jerome”.
Rick Ross – Wingstop franchises
Rapper Rick Ross owns multiple Wingstop franchise locations. His involvement began in 2014, when he purchased his first franchise in Memphis. Ross has been vocal about his investment, mentioning Wingstop in his music and interviews. He sees his franchise ownership as a way to create jobs and diversify his income streams beyond music.
Jon Bon Jovi – JBJ Soul Kitchen
Rock star Jon Bon Jovi and his wife founded JBJ Soul Kitchen in 2011. It’s a non-profit community restaurant with a pay-what-you-can model. Diners can either pay a suggested donation or volunteer their time in exchange for a meal. The menu changes daily based on seasonal ingredients, and the restaurant promotes healthy, locally sourced food.
Lewis Hamilton – Neat Burger
Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton is a co-owner of Neat Burger, a plant-based fast-food chain. Launched in 2019, Neat Burger aims to revolutionize fast food by offering sustainable, ethical, and healthier alternatives to traditional meat-based options. The restaurant specializes in plant-based burgers, hot dogs, and sides, using ingredients like Beyond Meat patties.
LeBron James – Blaze Pizza
NBA player LeBron James became an early investor in Blaze Pizza in 2012 and has since become a franchise owner. James famously turned down a McDonald’s endorsement deal to focus on growing Blaze Pizza. The restaurant has grown rapidly, partly due to James’ celebrity endorsement and involvement.
Willie Nelson – Willie’s Place
Country music icon Willie Nelson opened Willie’s Place, a truck stop and restaurant, in Carl’s Corner, Texas, in 2005. The venue included a restaurant, convenience store, and biodiesel station. It was known for its Texas-style comfort food and memorabilia from Nelson’s career. Despite initial success, Willie’s place suffered financial difficulties and closed in 2011.
Pharrell Williams – Fatburger
Music producer and singer Pharrell Williams became a Fatburger franchise owner in 2008. Williams saw this as an opportunity to bring the popular West Coast chain to the East Coast and create jobs. His involvement with Fatburger aligns with his diverse business portfolio, which includes fashion and media ventures.
Venus Williams – Jamba Juice franchises
Tennis star Venus Williams became a Jamba Juice franchise owner in 2011. Her involvement with the smoothie and health food chain shows her dedication to her athletic lifestyle and interest in nutrition. Williams has used her celebrity status to promote healthy eating habits through her Jamba Juice franchises.
LL Cool J – Boomdizzle’s
Rapper and actor LL Cool J opened Boomdizzle’s, a fast-food restaurant, in his hometown of Queens, New York, in the early 2000s. The restaurant’s menu featured items named after jis songs and catchphrases, such as the “Mama Said Knock You Out” burger. Despite initial success, Boomdizzle struggled to gain traction and eventually closed its doors.
Flavor Flav – Flavor Flav’s Chicken
Public Enemy rapper and reality TV star Flavor Flav opened up Flavor Flav’s Chicken in Clinton, Iowa, in 2011. The restaurant specialized in fried chicken, with Flav claiming his secret recipe could compete with KFC. However, it was short-lived, closing after just four months due to management disputes and financial issues.
Justin Timberlake – Southern Hospitality BBQ
Singer and actor Justin Timberlake co-founded Southern Hospitality BBQ in New York City in 2007. The restaurant aimed to bring Memphis-style barbecue to Manhattan, with dishes like baby back ribs, pulled pork, and brisket. The original location in Hell’s Kitchen gained popularity, leading to a second location opening in 2011. However, Timberlake’s direct involvement with the restaurant has diminished over time.
Jay-Z – 40/40 Club (sports bar and lounge)
Jay-Z, the legendary rapper, co-founded the 40/40 Club, a sports bar and lounge chain, in 2003. The name is inspired by the exclusive baseball achievement of hitting 40 home runs and stealing 40 bases in a single season. The flagship location opened in New York City, quickly becoming a hotspot for celebrities, athletes, and high-profile people. The club’s concept blends luxury dining with a sports bar atmosphere, featuring high-end cocktails, gourmet cuisine, and state-of-the-art TVs for sports viewing.
Robert De Niro – Nobu
Actor Robert De Niro co-founded Nobu with celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa and film producer Meir Teper in 1994. The high-end restaurant chain specializes in Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine and has become synonymous with luxury dining. Nobu has expanded globally, including restaurants, hotels and residences.
Chris Brown – Burger King franchises
R&B singer Chris Brown has invested in several Burger King franchises. While the exact number and locations aren’t known, this venture represents Brown’s diversification into business investments outside of his successful music career. Franchise ownerships provide celebrities with steady income streams and business experience.
Ludacris – Chicken & Beer
Rapper and actor Ludacris opened Chicken & Beer in 2016 at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. This restaurant’s name is a nod to his third studio album, released in 2003. The menu features Southern-style comfort food that focuses on chicken dishes and craft beers.
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