Over the years, many celebrities have embarked on business ventures outside of their typical line of work. Oftentimes, these new outlets become an important part of these celebrities’ wealth, and have even helped them reach a wider audiences. One of the most popular celebrity undertakings has included creating and owning restaurants. These celebrity owned restaurants often feature signature dishes that help set these establishments apart from the competition. For many celebrities, owning a restaurant(s) has helped to provide a steady flow of income outside of the entertainment industry which typically tends to have a very short memory. By taking a risk and exiting their comfort zone, many of these celebrities have also established themselves as powerful businessmen and women. Here are 10 celebrities who are making big bucks with their own restaurants.
10. Robert Redford
Robert Redford isn’t just all about entertaining audiences in front of the camera. The legendary actor has also been in the restaurant business for two decades. In 1995, Redford opened Zoom, in an old train station which was built shortly after the Civil War. The restaurant, which serves an array of “hearty American cuisine,” attracts thousands of patrons each year.
(Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images)
9. Chris Noth
Chris Noth, may be well-known for his roles in Law and Order and Law and Order: Criminal Intent; however, the award-winning actor has also found success outside of Hollywood. Noth is the co-owner of a popular music venue and restaurant in New York City called The Cutting Room. The venue has hosted a number of popular musicians including Lady GaGa and Lana Del Rey. The Cutting Room’s menu also features a full selection from appetizers to desserts.
(Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)
8. Robert De Niro
Actor Robert De Niro currently co-owns three restaurants across New York City. De Niro’s restaurants, TriBeCa Grill, Nobu, and Locanda Verde have helped De Niro become recognized and respected in the restaurant industry. In fact, De Niro has found so much success in the industry that the Malaysian Prime Minister and his wife suggested that De Niro open a restaurant in Malaysia.
(Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images)
7. Justin Timberlake
Justin Timberlake is one of the few celebrities who rarely misses. Whether releasing music or pursuing other business ventures, Timberlake seems to know the secret to success. Timberlake is currently a co-owner of a southern cuisine restaurant in New York City named Southern Hospitality. The restaurant was opened in early 2011, and has already established one franchise location in Denver, CO.
(Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)
6. Ashton Kutcher
Although Ashton Kutcher may not always be featured in headlines, the multi-talented funny guy is certainly bringing in the bucks. As co-owner of Dubai’s Ketchup restaurant, Ashton Kutcher has brought a taste of the America to the Middle East. The restaurant chain, which originally opened in the United States, has now expanded to several locations around the world. According to the restaurant’s website: “Ketchup takes classic American cuisine and catapults the dishes into the modern age: menu inspirations based on childhood favorites; recreated with a gourmet, upscale twist.”
(Photo by Joe Corrigan/Getty Images for AOL)
5. Gladys Knight
Grammy Award-winning singer Glady’s Knight is one of the few celebrities who actually has a restaurant named after her. Founded in 1997, Glady’s Knight and Ron’s Chicken and Waffles is an Atlanta-based soul fool chain that was founded by Knight and her son Shanga Hankerson. Over the years, the chain has grown to include three locations in Georgia.
(Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)
4. Rick Ross
With his undeniable love for food, it is no surprise that rap star Rick Ross owns a restaurant. In 2013, the Miami based artist purchased 25 Wingstop restaurants stating: “I’ve been loving Wingstop for well over five or six years now…If it’s something that you love, something that you love being a part of, something you love representing, you know, it’s limitless.”
(Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images for NARAS)
3. Donnie and Mark Walhberg
Famous brothers Donnie and Mark Walhberg, along with their chef sibling, Paul, are the founders and owners of the popular Boston-based burger joint, Wahlburgers. The restaurant has gained popularity as a result of its being featured on the A&E reality series which bear’s the restaurants name. In 2014, the Walhberg brothers announced a plan to open nearly 30 more Walhburger restaurants across the country.
(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
2. Jay-Z
Jay-Z is certainly not a stranger to making money. The rapper, who has amassed a multi-million dollar fortune, has also found success in the restaurant business with his popular chain of sports bars, the 40/40 club. Named after the baseball term which denotes a player who has earned 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases in a single season, the 40/40 club has become a popular venue for anyone looking to enjoy a night out. In the years since the first 40/40 club opened, the chain has expanded to include a location inside Atlanta very busy Hartsfield-Jackson Airport.
(Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Samsung)
1. Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan, the most legendary player in the history of professional basketball, has embarked on several business ventures throughout his career. One of his most popular and successful non-athletic ventures includes his well-known Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse restaurants. Jordan’s steakhouses have consistently received positive views from guests and critics alike, and the chain currently consists of three locations spreading from Chicago to Connecticut.
(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images for MJCI)
(Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Jordan Brand)
ncG1vNJzZmiblaGyo77IrbCtp5%2BXe6S7zGidnpmkqr%2BmecKeo56aop7BqrHSZq6hp12irqyxjJugoGWSqrCsv4ywoK2gXam1prXRZqawpl2nsrTAwK6pmqakqHw%3D