The fast food industry has long been the strong recommendation of many a celebrity business manager for those who find themselves newly rich, however, as of late, with fast food profits dwindling, what was once billed as a long term investment, (as was the payphone,) is now going the way of the landline.
The following is a short list of celebrities who are fast food franchisees.
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Fatburger owner Kanye West
Before Kanye West decided that luxury fashion was his true side passion, he bought 10 Fatburgers in Chicago in 2010, though one of his locations folded just one year later.
Wingstop owner Rick Ross
The Florida rapper loved WingStop so much that he decided to buy nine franchises around the country.
Krispy Kreme owner Jimmy Buffett
On top of his Margaritaville and Cheeseburgers in Paradise restaurants, Jimmy Buffett has owned several Krispy Kreme donut shops in Palm Beach County Florida since 2000.
Jamba Juice owner Venus Williams
Tennis star Venus Williams announced plans in 2011 to build five Jamba Juices in the Washington and Maryland area.
Burger King and Starbucks owner Magic Johnson
NBA superstar-turned-business magnate now boasts a sprawling empire across multiple industries. Among his many properties are up to 30 Burger Kings, and he previously owned more than 100 Starbucks stores before he sold them for an estimated $27 million in 2010.
Popeye’s Chicken owner Hank Aaron
Baseball legend Hank Aaron opened his 24th Popeye’s Chicken store earlier this year. Through his Atlanta-based company 755 Restaurant, he has also purchased five Church’s Chicken locations and two Krispy Kreme donut shops.
Papa John’s owner Peyton Manning
Denver Broncos star quarterback Peyton Manning invested in 21 Papa John’s pizza joints in Colorado in 2012. In an interview two years later, Manning hinted that the timing of the decision may have had to do with the coinciding marijuana legalization in the state. h/t mashable
In the end, franchises are here to stay as they are a convenient investment option for celebrities who want to put their excess money to work for them, but do not want to take the time to operate it.
