Black Actors Who Own Restaurants

Many talented men in the entertainment industry have expanded their professional reach by entering the competitive world of hospitality. These performers leverage their success in film and television to establish unique dining experiences and successful food franchises. Their ventures range from casual comfort food spots to sophisticated luxury dining establishments across the globe. This entrepreneurial spirit showcases a commitment to community building and economic development outside of their acting careers.

Kevin Hart

Kevin Hart is a global superstar recognized for his comedic talent and roles in films like ‘Jumanji: The Next Level’. He recently founded a plant based fast food chain called Hart House to provide sustainable meal options. The menu features a variety of burgers and sandwiches that do not contain any animal products. He aims to make healthy eating more accessible and affordable for the general public through this innovative venture. The restaurant has quickly gained popularity for its commitment to flavor and environmental consciousness.

Anthony Anderson

Anthony Anderson is a versatile performer known for his lead role in the acclaimed television series ‘Blackish’. He partnered with a fellow actor to launch a brand called AC Barbeque that celebrates the art of grilling. The business offers a range of premium meats and signature sauces inspired by his personal family recipes. This project highlights his passion for outdoor cooking and creating memorable experiences around the dinner table. He continues to expand the brand by introducing retail products to fans across the country.

Cedric the Entertainer

Cedric the Entertainer is a veteran of the screen who currently stars in the hit show ‘The Neighborhood’. He is a co founder of the AC Barbeque lifestyle brand which focuses on the cultural importance of backyard cooking. The venture emphasizes high quality ingredients and traditional techniques that have been used for decades. He uses his platform to share the joy of community and good food with a broad audience. This business success demonstrates his ability to connect with people through shared traditions and culinary excellence.

Idris Elba

Idris Elba is an acclaimed actor who has delivered powerful performances in productions such as ‘Luther’ and ‘The Wire’. He opened a sophisticated wine bar and brasserie in London called Porte Noire to share his love for fine dining. The venue features a curated selection of beverages and a menu that highlights modern European cuisine. This elegant space offers a refined atmosphere for guests to enjoy high quality meals and drinks in a stylish setting. His involvement in the project shows his appreciation for the finer details of hospitality and guest service.

Nas

Nas is a legendary figure in the music industry who has also appeared in films like ‘Belly’. He is a co owner of the popular restaurant chain Sweet Chick which specializes in gourmet chicken and waffles. The establishment has locations in major cities and is known for its creative menu and vibrant atmosphere. He helped grow the brand into a cultural staple that merges music and food in a unique way. His business insight has allowed the restaurant to become a favorite destination for fans and foodies alike.

Shaquille O’Neal

Shaquille O’Neal is a legendary athlete and actor who has appeared in numerous projects including ‘Kazaam’ and ‘Steel’. He is the founder of Big Chicken which is a fast casual restaurant chain that offers massive portions and bold flavors. The menu is inspired by his own family recipes and focuses on providing a fun dining experience for all ages. He has successfully expanded the franchise to various locations across the United States including stadiums and cruise ships. This venture showcases his ability to create a brand that resonates with a wide demographic of hungry fans.

Michael B. Jordan

Michael B. Jordan is a highly respected actor known for his leading roles in ‘Creed’ and ‘Black Panther’. He is an investor in a New York City rum bar and restaurant called Las Lap. The venue offers a menu inspired by Caribbean flavors and a wide variety of specialty cocktails. It serves as a social hub that celebrates island culture and community in a lively environment. His involvement in the business reflects his desire to support spaces that honor his heritage and provide unique social experiences.

Terrence J

Terrence J is a successful actor and television personality who starred in movies like ‘Think Like a Man’. He is a franchise owner of The Juicy Crab which is a popular seafood restaurant chain. The menu focuses on low country boils and a variety of fresh seafood options served with signature spices. He has used his influence to promote the brand and expand its presence in various markets. This business move highlights his interest in the casual dining sector and his ability to manage a thriving franchise.

Ne-Yo

Ne-Yo is a talented performer who has appeared in films such as ‘Red Tails’ and ‘Stomp the Yard’. He is a partner in the restaurant Johnny’s Chicken and Waffles located in the Atlanta area. The establishment serves traditional breakfast and lunch items with a modern twist in a cozy setting. He collaborated with other industry professionals to create a dining destination that emphasizes quality and comfort. This venture allows him to express his creativity through the culinary arts while serving the local community.

T.I.

T.I. is a prominent actor and recording artist who has been featured in major films like ‘Ant Man’. He previously owned a high end Southern restaurant in Atlanta called Scales 925. The establishment offered a sophisticated menu that featured elevated versions of classic soul food dishes. It was designed to provide a luxurious dining experience for guests in the heart of the city. While the physical location has faced changes his influence in the local food scene remains a significant part of his business legacy.

Snoop Dogg

Snoop Dogg is a cultural icon who has appeared in many movies including ‘Training Day’ and ‘Starsky & Hutch’. He has launched several food and beverage brands including Broadus Foods which offers breakfast products. He often collaborates with other celebrities to bring unique food items to the mass market. His ventures focus on providing affordable and high quality food options for families across the country. This business direction demonstrates his commitment to entrepreneurship and his ability to branch out into the grocery industry.

Nick Cannon

Nick Cannon is a versatile entertainer known for his work in the movie ‘Drumline’ and various television programs. He is a partner and franchise owner for the Sugar Factory which is a world famous restaurant and confectionery brand. The establishment is known for its extravagant desserts and celebrity sightings in a bright and energetic atmosphere. He has helped launch multiple locations and continues to be a key figure in the marketing efforts. This venture highlights his eye for popular trends and his success in the retail and dining space.

Master P

Master P is an actor and producer who starred in the film ‘I Got the Hook Up’ and its sequel. He has established a wide range of food businesses including Big Poppa Burger and various snack brands. His goal is to provide quality products to underserved communities while promoting economic independence. He has successfully placed his products in major retail stores across the nation. This entrepreneurial journey shows his dedication to building a legacy that extends far beyond the entertainment industry.

Rick Ross

Rick Ross is a famous actor and artist who has appeared in the film ‘Coming 2 America’. He is a major franchise owner of Wingstop and operates dozens of locations across the United States. His business success with the brand has made him a prominent figure in the fast food industry. He often shares his business insights with others to encourage entrepreneurship within the community. This venture demonstrates his ability to manage a large scale operation while maintaining a successful career in the arts.

Jay-Z

Jay-Z is a legendary figure who has appeared in films like ‘Streets is Watching’ and produced numerous projects. He founded the 40/40 Club which is a luxury sports bar and lounge with locations in major cities. The venue offers a sophisticated environment for guests to watch sports while enjoying premium food and drinks. It has become a premier destination for athletes and celebrities over the years. This business venture solidified his reputation as a savvy entrepreneur with a keen understanding of the luxury market.

Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman is one of the most respected actors in cinema history with iconic roles in ‘The Shawshank Redemption’. He is the co owner of the Ground Zero Blues Club located in Clarksdale Mississippi. The venue functions as both a restaurant and a live music space that celebrates the history of the blues. It offers guests authentic local cuisine in an environment that honors the deep musical roots of the region. This project reflects his commitment to preserving the culture and history of his home state.

Hill Harper

Hill Harper is a talented actor known for his long running role on the series ‘CSI NY’. He entered the food and beverage industry by investing in The Roasting Plant which is a high tech coffee retail chain. The business uses an automated system to roast and brew coffee beans in front of the customers. He is also involved in other small businesses that focus on providing quality products to urban communities. This interest in the hospitality sector demonstrates his dedication to social entrepreneurship and local economic growth.

Malik Yoba

Malik Yoba rose to fame for his starring role in the television series ‘New York Undercover’. He has been involved in several restaurant projects in the Brooklyn area over the years. His ventures focus on creating social spaces that offer good food and a sense of community for local residents. He often uses his business platforms to mentor young entrepreneurs and support neighborhood development. These efforts show his commitment to using his success to uplift others through the hospitality industry.

Flavor Flav

Flavor Flav is an entertainer who appeared in films like ‘New Jack City’ before becoming a reality television star. He launched a restaurant venture called Flav’s Fried Chicken which aimed to bring his secret recipes to the public. The business focused on casual dining with an emphasis on traditional fried chicken and sides. Although he has faced challenges in the industry his passion for cooking remains a central part of his public persona. This venture highlights his desire to connect with fans through the shared experience of soul food.

Tristan Mack Wilds

Tristan Mack Wilds is a talented actor who gained recognition for his roles in ‘The Wire’ and ‘90210’. He has ventured into the hospitality world by becoming a partner in several dining and nightlife venues in New York City. These establishments offer a blend of great food and entertainment in a modern and trendy atmosphere. He uses his creative vision to help shape the guest experience and build a loyal following. This business move shows his interest in the lifestyle sector and his ability to succeed in the competitive New York market.

Method Man

Method Man is a celebrated actor and musician known for his work in the series ‘Power Book II Ghost’. He has invested in various food related businesses including a Caribbean themed eatery in New York City. The restaurant offers authentic flavors and a welcoming atmosphere for diners to enjoy traditional dishes. He is also known for supporting small businesses that focus on health and wellness within the community. This involvement in the food industry reflects his diverse interests and his desire to support local culture.

Drake

Drake is a world famous entertainer who started his career as an actor on the show ‘Degrassi’. He opened a luxury restaurant and lounge called Pick 6ix in Toronto to provide a high quality dining experience. The venue featured a menu with international influences and a sophisticated interior design. It served as a major social hub in the city and hosted many high profile events. This venture demonstrated his ability to translate his global brand into a successful physical space in the hospitality world.

LL Cool J

LL Cool J is a pioneering figure in entertainment who stars in the long running series ‘NCIS Los Angeles’. He has been a notable investor and franchise owner of Fatburger locations in the past. His involvement helped bring the popular West Coast burger brand to new markets and audiences. He has always been vocal about the importance of financial literacy and business ownership for performers. This successful investment shows his strategic approach to building wealth through established and reliable brands.

Questlove

Ahmir Questlove Thompson is a musician and actor who appeared in the film ‘Popstar’. He launched a culinary venture called Hybird which specialized in creative fried chicken dishes. The restaurant focused on high quality ingredients and unique flavor profiles that appealed to food enthusiasts. He has also released books about food and hosted numerous culinary events for the industry. This passion for the culinary arts highlights his diverse talents and his role as a tastemaker in multiple fields.

Common

Common is an Academy Award winning actor and musician who has appeared in films like ‘John Wick 2’. He has been a vocal supporter and investor in the Fatburger franchise over the years. His interest in the business is rooted in providing jobs and quality food options in urban neighborhoods. He often emphasizes the importance of community investment and supporting local businesses. This venture aligns with his personal values and his desire to make a positive impact through his professional choices.

Magic Johnson

Earvin Magic Johnson is a legendary athlete and actor who has made guest appearances on shows like ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’. He is a titan in the business world and has owned hundreds of franchises including Starbucks and TGI Fridays. His efforts have focused on bringing major brands to underserved urban communities to stimulate economic growth. He is widely respected for his ability to transform the retail and dining landscape in major cities. This massive success in the hospitality industry serves as a model for other entertainers looking to build business empires.

Jaleel White

Jaleel White is an actor who became a household name for his role as Steve Urkel on ‘Family Matters’. He entered the food and beverage space by launching a brand that features specialty products and snacks. The business focuses on quality and consistency while offering a unique experience for consumers. He has successfully utilized his recognizable brand to build a presence in a rapidly growing market. This venture shows his ability to adapt to new industries and create a successful business outside of traditional acting.

Chris Tucker

Chris Tucker is a world renowned comedian and actor known for his lead role in the ‘Rush Hour’ franchise. He previously owned a soul food restaurant in the Atlanta area that celebrated traditional Southern cooking. The establishment was a popular spot for locals and visitors who wanted to enjoy authentic meals in a friendly environment. He used his platform to highlight the importance of hospitality and community gathering in his home state. This business experience is a testament to his appreciation for his roots and his interest in the food industry.

Tyler Perry

Tyler Perry is a prolific actor and director who is best known for creating the ‘Madea’ film series. He operates a massive studio complex that includes comprehensive catering services and dining facilities for his productions. These food operations provide meals for thousands of staff members and actors every day during filming. He also supports various food related charities and community programs through his foundation. This large scale management of hospitality services is a key component of his success as a media mogul.

Big Boi

Big Boi is a famous musician and actor who starred in the film ‘Idlewild’. He has been an investor and franchise owner of Fatburger locations which has helped the brand expand its reach. He is also known for his interest in the lifestyle and entertainment space through various business partnerships. His involvement in the restaurant industry reflects his desire to build a diverse portfolio of successful investments. This business acumen has allowed him to maintain a strong presence in the business world alongside his artistic career.

Fat Joe

Fat Joe is a prominent actor and artist who appeared in the movie ‘Night School’. He is the owner of a successful retail and lifestyle brand that includes food and beverage collaborations. He has also been involved in opening juice bars and casual dining spots in New York City. His focus is on providing healthy and accessible options for people in his home community. This dedication to local business growth highlights his commitment to his roots and his success as an entrepreneur.

Pharrell Williams

Pharrell Williams is a visionary artist and actor who appeared in the film ‘Hidden Figures’. He is a co owner of the luxury restaurant and lounge called Swan located in the Miami Design District. The venue offers a sophisticated menu and a stunning atmosphere that reflects his unique creative style. It has become a premier destination for those seeking a unique dining experience in a vibrant setting. This venture demonstrates his ability to create successful and stylish spaces that resonate with a global audience.

Pusha T

Pusha T is an actor and musician who appeared in the project ‘The After Party’. He is the owner of a restaurant and social space in Virginia called Greys Social. The establishment offers a modern dining experience with a focus on local ingredients and a high energy environment. He uses the space to host events and support the local creative community in his hometown. This business venture showcases his commitment to investing in his local economy and providing a unique space for social interaction.

Please share your thoughts on which of these famous dining spots you would like to visit in the comments.