As a lover of all things Hollywood and food, I can’t help but be captivated by these celebrities who have ventured into the restaurant business. Each one brings a unique flavor to their establishments, just as they do to their respective careers.
Ownership of restaurants by celebrities has been a long-standing practice in Hollywood. Ranging from casual burger joints, such as those owned by Mark Wahlberg, to upscale hotels offering refined dining experiences, like Richard Gere’s establishments, their ventures encompass a wide variety of cuisines. From tacos and sushi to fried chicken and many other dishes, the offerings are diverse and extensive.
Just as people enjoy observing food-focused movie scenes, they also appreciate socializing with high-society figures at certain establishments. Here’s a list of 32 actors who own restaurants across the nation.
Mark Wahlberg – Wahlburgers
2011 saw the inauguration of the first Wahlburger’s in Hingham, Massachusetts. Since then, it has expanded to numerous locations nationwide, spanning over 50 stores. For a decade, this expansion journey was documented on A&E through a reality show. The chain is jointly owned by the three Wahlbergs: Mark, Donnie, and their culinary expert brother, Paul.
Ryan Gosling – Tagline
It’s not surprising that, given his prominence in Hollywood, Ryan Gosling would venture into opening a restaurant – specifically, in fashionable Beverly Hills. Together with Chef Ben Benameur, they have launched a Moroccan eatery, offering tantalizing dishes in a warm and inviting setting.
Lady Gaga – Joanne Trattoria
Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, popularly known as Lady Gaga, was affectionately referred to as an aunt by her relative Joanne Germanotta. In fact, Gaga paid homage to her aunt by naming a 2016 album after her and furthermore, the family established the restaurant “Joanne Trattoria” in Manhattan’s Upper West Side. True to Lady Gaga’s eccentric nature, this Italian eatery not only offers delicious meals but also supports local artists, frequently hosts drag shows, and invites local musicians for performances.
Robert De Niro – Nobu
Robert De Niro began frequenting chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s Los Angeles sushi restaurant called Nobu in the 1980s. In the mid-1990s, De Niro proposed to Matsuhisa the idea of opening a restaurant in New York City. The first Nobu opened in Tribeca, New York, in 1994 and has since grown into a significant player in the hospitality industry, with numerous restaurants and hotels across the globe.
Michael Imperioli – Scarlet
Michael Imperioli, known for his role in White Lotus, has had a long-standing interest in the restaurant business. Back in the mid-’90s, he and his wife launched Ciel Rouge, a bar modeled after speakeasies, in Tribeca. Nearly three decades have passed, 20 years since Ciel Rouge shut down in 2005. However, they recently opened Scarlet on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, maintaining the sophisticated yet relaxed ambiance that made their initial venture thrive.
Sandra Bullock – Walton’s Fancy & Staple
In Austin, Texas, Walton’s Fancy & Staple embodies the charm and elegance one might associate with Sandra Bullock. This high-end eatery offers robust meals and a lively ambiance that is as warm and welcoming as its renowned owner. Established in 2009, Walton’s is Sandra’s second culinary venture in her beloved city, following the closure of Bess Bistro in 2016 after a successful decade-long stint.
Ludacris – Chicken And Beer
Is there anything more delightful than fantastic fried chicken paired with excellent beer for a perfect match? If you find yourself in Atlanta, be sure to visit Ludacris’ establishment, aptly named Chicken and Beer, or you might miss out on an unforgettable combination of two amazing things that complement each other so well.
Norman Reedus – Nic & Norman’s
In a different phrasing: Known for portraying rugged characters on “The Walking Dead” like Daryl, Norman Reedus isn’t as well-known for his restaurant. However, Nic & Norman’s, with multiple locations in the Southeast, is rustic yet polished rather than rough. The upscale yet laid-back gastropubs are certain to please everyone.
Susan Sarandon – SPiN
In 2009, when Susan Sarandon and her associates inaugurated SPiN, a wave of popularity swept over table tennis (also known as ping pong). This trend didn’t last long, but the eateries specializing in table tennis have persisted, with numerous branches across the nation.
Dan Aykroyd – House Of Blues
Among Dan Aykroyd’s cherished characters from Saturday Night Live, Elwood Blues from The Blues Brothers, has transcended its on-screen persona for the actor. On Thanksgiving Day 1992, Aykroyd, along with his partner Isaac Tigrett (the founder of Hard Rock Cafe), inaugurated the first House of Blues in Cambridge, MA. Over the years, it has expanded into one of the world’s largest chains of live music venues, and it also offers some scrumptious cuisine.
Eva Longoria – Beso
On both large and small screens, Eva Longoria consistently shines without a blemish, yet her ventures in the restaurant business, particularly her steakhouse in Los Angeles named Beso, have faced numerous challenges during their brief existence. However, it’s important to note that these issues were not due to any fault of the actress herself.
Kevin Hart – Hart House
Despite receiving favorable feedback, Kevin Hart’s LA-based restaurant venture, Hart House, proved to be too ambitious in its aim to establish an affordable vegan chain. Regrettably, it failed to thrive in the market and was forced to shut down all of its branches in 2024, having initially experienced success.
Issa Rae – Hilltop Coffee And Kitchen
Issa Rae demonstrates an incredible natural power on and off set, and she has also achieved success in the culinary world. Her establishment, Hilltop Coffee And Kitchen, delivers upscale coffee ambiance to historically significant African-American communities in Los Angeles, such as Inglewood and View Park.
Danny Trejo – Trejo’s Tacos
It’s no secret that everyone adores tacos and they have a soft spot for Danny Trejo as well. Given this, it’s only natural that a business idea like Trejo’s Tacos would be successful, and indeed it has been very successful. The chain now boasts several locations in LA, and even expanded to another concept: Trejo’s Donuts, which also received excellent feedback upon its opening.
Channing Tatum – Saints And Sinners
In New Orleans’ Bourbon Street, the bar known as Saints And Sinners, which was jointly owned by actor Channing Tatum, thrived for a while… but only for a time. The entertainment industry is notorious for its unpredictability, and Tatum and his associates discovered this firsthand when the establishment shut down in the summer of 2024, marking the end of a 12-year run.
Justin Timberlake – The Twelve Thirty Club
In his teenage years, Justin Timberlake experimented with the food industry by contributing to the design of a Memphis-style BBQ restaurant in New York City called Southern Hospitality. Although he wasn’t an owner, he played a role during the developmental stage and frequently visited the establishment. Most recently, he has collaborated with restaurateur Sam Fox to launch The Twelve Thirty Club in Nashville.
Nicholas Braun – Jac’s On Bond
On the TV show “Succession,” Cousin Greg doesn’t always receive the highest regard, but the man behind the character, Nicholas Braun, certainly earns respect within the hospitality industry. In fact, Braun is a significant investor in various eateries across New York City. One such establishment is Jac’s on Bond Street, a laid-back bar and restaurant located in the fashionable NoHo district.
Zach Braff – Mermaid Oyster Bar
MacDougal Street in New York City’s Greenwich Village boasts some fantastic eateries, including the iconic Caffe Reggio and Mamoun’s Falafels. You can also find Zach Braff’s slightly upscale yet relaxed seafood establishment, fittingly named Mermaid Oyster Bar, here.
Anthony Mackie – NoBar
As a fervent admirer, I can attest that Anthony Mackie’s foray into the world of bar and restaurant ownership, like many others, has seen its share of triumphs and challenges. His flagship establishment, NoBar, debuted in the vibrant streets of Brooklyn in 2011, with a second location following suit in 2013. Regrettably, both venues had to close their doors in 2015.
Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Willis – Planet Hollywood
Planet Hollywood, a restaurant chain founded by actors, stands as the pioneer in actor-owned eateries. The original Planet Hollywood debuted in New York City in 1991, with Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Bruce Willis, among others, investing in the idea. In its early days, the restaurant thrived and expanded to numerous locations worldwide. At its peak during the late ’90s, there were approximately 60 Planet Hollywood restaurants globally. However, the excitement didn’t last forever; issues arose, leading some stars to depart, and most of the less successful locations eventually closed down.
Richard Gere – Bedford Post Inn
Notably, Richard Gere isn’t just a restaurant owner; he is the proprietor of an 8-room bed and breakfast named the Bedford Post Inn, situated fittingly in Bedford, NY. This charming inn features a dining area, known as the Bedford Post Tavern, and both the inn and the restaurant attract a variety of celebrities seeking a peaceful getaway or scrumptious meal.
Robert Redford – Zoom
It’s no secret that Robert Redford’s restaurant in Park City, UT, for a long time, played host to many influential figures during the Sundance Film Festival. Prior to its closure in 2016, this popular spot was where the global elite would gather for meals and negotiate deals at one of the world’s most significant film festivals.
Hugh Jackman – Laughing Man Coffee
Among the intriguing backstories on this list, Hugh Jackman’s journey towards launching Laughing Man Coffee stands out. The Australian actor and his wife embarked on a voyage to Ethiopia to gain deeper insights into the cultivation of coffee beans. While there, they encountered a coffee farmer named Dukale, as detailed on the coffee shop’s website. Jackman was offered an immersive, firsthand experience by Dukale, and upon returning home, he collaborated with partners to establish Laughing Man Coffee. Their mission was to forge direct connections with farmers across the globe, bringing their exceptional coffee from far-off lands straight to the tables of New Yorkers.
Jon Bon Jovi – Soul Kitchen And JBJ’s
Jon Bon Jovi is primarily recognized as the lead vocalist of his namesake band, yet he’s delved into various fields such as acting and hospitality. His philanthropic endeavors led to the establishment of Soul Kitchen, a restaurant based in Red Bank, NJ. This unique eatery offers food at prices that match each customer’s ability to pay. Furthermore, Bon Jovi has expanded his ventures to include JBJ’s on Broadway in Nashville, Tennessee. This venue offers live music, an extensive menu, and of course, a selection of alcoholic beverages.
Piper Perabo – Jack’s Wife Freda
Piper Perabo found her major success portraying a bartender in “Coyote Ugly,” but unlike that chain, where she’s an investor, Jack’s Wife Frida in New York City, doesn’t have scantily clad women dancing on the bar. Instead, it offers something far more appealing: mouthwatering Mediterranean cuisine. With five eateries scattered throughout the city, you can savor your desired meal, be it breakfast, lunch, or dinner, anytime.
Jessica Biel – Au Fudge
Once upon a time, Au Fudge – a place that shut down in 2018 – stood out in the realm of celebrity restaurants as it catered specifically to children’s tastes. As its name suggests, this establishment owned by Jessica Biel was centered around sweet treats and candies. In addition, it offered kid-friendly favorites like chicken fingers on its menu. Don’t you agree that we could use more places like this for parents?
Debi Mazar – The Tuscan Gun
Debi Mazar and her chef spouse initially demonstrated their passion for food through a cooking show on the Cooking Channel. They subsequently transformed this into a New York restaurant with a Tuscan theme called The Tuscan Gun, using Gabriele Corcos’ Italian recipes to bring the finest of Italy to Williamsburg.
Quentin Tarantino – Do Hwa
For quite some time, Quentin Tarantino’s Korean eatery Do Hwa showcased East Asian tastes to the West Village of New York City. Despite Tarantino being anything but subtle, his restaurant was, in a charming manner. It was warm and flavorful before it shut down in 2018.
Jerry Ferrara – Fat Sal’s
A sandwich shop named Fat Sal’s seems tailor-made for “Entourage” actor Jerry Ferrara, reminiscent of the kind of eatery Turtle might own on the show. With several locations scattered across Los Angeles, Fat Sal’s is an ideal destination for those craving authentic deli sandwiches served by a man who clearly shares your enthusiasm for them.
Justin Theroux – Ray’s
Justin Theroux is versatile and has many talents; he’s known as an actor, a writer, and was previously married to Jennifer Aniston. Alongside his partner Nicolaus Braun, he also co-owns Ray’s on the Lower East Side of Manhattan – a popular dive bar that embodies all the charm of an unassuming neighborhood hangout spot. This is fitting, given Theroux’s knack for versatility.
Ashton Kutcher – Dolce Enoteca E Ristorante
Ashton Kutcher has consistently taken on ventures with potential high returns, some of which have proven lucrative, such as his initial investments in Spotify and Uber. However, not all endeavors have flourished, for instance, his temporary Italian restaurant, Dolce Enoteca E Ristorante, which shut down in 2020, like numerous other eateries.
Ty Burrell – The Eating Establishment
As a gaming enthusiast, I, much like my character Phil Dunphy on Modern Family, decided to step out of the limelight and into the kitchen when it comes to investments. Unlike many of my fellow actors who opted for opening fresh eateries, I chose to breathe new life into an old establishment. The Eating Establishment, a Park City, UT institution dating back to 1970, was purchased by me and a group of investors in 2016, and we’ve been keeping this beloved restaurant running ever since.
Eminem – Mom’s Spaghetti
Isn’t it fitting that Eminem could call Mom’s Spaghetti his own place? This Detroit, Michigan restaurant’s name suits the dishes served perfectly, and its moniker comes directly from an Eminem line in “Lose Yourself.
Jon Huertas – Clutch
Jon Huertas, most recognized for his role as Brad Alcerro in Sabrina The Teenage Witch, is the proud proprietor of Clutch Roadhouse located in Culver City, CA. This establishment is renowned for its delicious cuisine and charitable endeavors, aspects that hold significant importance to Jon, who also stars in This Is Us.
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2024-09-20 22:38