Hey there, fellow food lovers! I’ve been getting tons of questions about who actually owns the famous Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. restaurants. As someone who’s really into restaurant chains and their histories, I’m excited to break this down for ya’ll in simple terms.
The Current Owner: Landry’s Inc.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is currently owned by Landry’s Inc., a massive restaurant and hospitality company. But there’s way more to this story than just that simple fact!
A Brief Timeline of Ownership
- 1996: Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. opens its first location in Monterey, California
- Later acquired by Landry’s Inc. (part of their huge family of restaurant brands)
The Fascinating Story Behind Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
From Silver Screen to Reality
Ya’ll might not know this but Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is actually pretty unique in the restaurant world. It’s the first and ONLY restaurant chain that’s based on a movie – the classic “Forrest Gump.” How cool is that?
Current Operations
Here’s what the company looks like today:
- U.S. Locations: 22 restaurants
- International Presence: 15 locations across:
- Asia
- Europe
- Mexico
- Annual Meals Served: Over 7 million (that’s a lot of shrimp!)
What Makes Bubba Gump Special Under Landry’s Ownership?
The Menu Experience
Under Landry’s management, they’ve stayed true to their roots with:
- Scratch-made Southern comfort food
- Various shrimp preparations (just like Bubba would’ve wanted!)
- Sautéed shrimp
- Fried shrimp
- Coconut shrimp
- Shrimp scampi
- Award-winning baby back ribs
- Fresh burgers and salads
The Fun Factor
I gotta tell ya, it’s not just about the food! They’ve kept the fun movie theme going with:
- Table-side Forrest Gump trivia
- Movie memorabilia everywhere
- Popular merchandise like:
- “Run Forrest Run” T-shirts
- Boxes of chocolates (of course!)
- Cookbooks with classic recipes
Landry’s Inc.: The Parent Company
Let me tell you a bit about the company that owns Bubba Gump Landry’s is like this HUGE restaurant empire that owns tons of other famous brands like
- Morton’s Steakhouse
- Rainforest Cafe
- Chart House
- Del Frisco’s
- Joe’s Crab Shack
What This Means for Bubba Gump
Being part of Landry’s has given Bubba Gump some serious advantages:
- Professional Management: Access to top-tier restaurant expertise
- Quality Control: Consistent food and service standards
- Marketing Power: Better promotional capabilities
- Financial Stability: Backing of a major hospitality corporation
The Future of Bubba Gump Under Landry’s
From what I can see, Landry’s seems committed to keeping Bubba Gump’s unique character while growing the brand. They’re focusing on:
- Maintaining the movie theme and fun atmosphere
- Expanding to new locations strategically
- Keeping the menu fresh while preserving classics
- Developing new promotional programs
Why Does Ownership Matter?
You might be wondering why it matters who owns Bubba Gump. Well, here’s the deal:
- Quality Control: The parent company influences food quality and service standards
- Experience: Determines the overall dining experience
- Growth: Affects where and how fast new locations open
- Menu: Influences what items stay or go on the menu
My Personal Take
I’ve gotta say, as someone who’s followed the restaurant industry for years, Landry’s ownership of Bubba Gump seems to be working out pretty well. They’ve managed to keep what makes the chain special while giving it the support of a major restaurant group.
Pro Tips for Visitors
If you’re planning to visit a Bubba Gump location, here’s what I recommend:
- Try the signature shrimp dishes (duh!)
- Participate in the trivia – it’s super fun!
- Check out the merchandise – makes great souvenirs
- Join Landry’s Select Club for rewards
- Make reservations for large groups
Wrapping It Up
So there ya have it! Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is owned by Landry’s Inc., but it’s way more than just another chain in their portfolio. It’s a unique concept that brings a beloved movie to life while serving up some seriously good seafood.
Whether you’re a Forrest Gump fan or just love good shrimp, knowing that a respected company like Landry’s is behind the scenes should give you confidence that you’ll have a great experience at any Bubba Gump location.
Remember, as Forrest would say, “Life is like a box of chocolates” – but at Bubba Gump, you know exactly what you’re gonna get: good food and good times!
Just Like Mama Makes It
The story of Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. began in 1996, debuting on Cannery Row in Monterey, California, as the first and only (even to this day) casual restaurant chain based on a motion picture property. Capturing the magic that made “Forrest Gump” an American classic, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. serves scratch-made, southern-style comfort dishes plucked straight off the silver screen – we’re talking sautéed shrimp, fried shrimp, coconut shrimp, shrimp scampi…(shall we go on?), alongside award-winning baby back ribs, burgers, salads and more in a fun and energetic atmosphere.
And while the food is the highlight, the fun doesn’t stop there. Diners can test their Forrest Gump knowledge right at their tables with trivia, as well as take a bit of Bubba Gump home with them through various pieces of merchandise, including the ever-popular “Run Forrest Run” T-shirt, a box of chocolates, or a cookbook full of classic recipes. Since its inception, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. has grown into a globally-recognized brand with 15 international locations throughout Asia, Europe and Mexico and 22 locations in the United States. We serve over 7 million meals a year to guests from all over the world!
Lt. Dans Surf & Turf
- Shrimpers Net Catch
- Lt. Dans Surf & Turf
- Crab & Shrimp Boil for Two
- Coconut Shrimp
- Jennys Catch
- Captains Fish & Chips
- Mama Gumps Garlic Bread Basket
- Forrests Seafood Feast
Call Us the Party Experts Every day, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. provides great experiences for groups. We’re experts at serving excellent food and creating plenty of fun, two key ingredients in making your event a success. You’ll find our restaurants in some of the most memorable locations in the United States. At Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., we will make your vision a reality.
come on in and stay a while
But wait, theres more!
How Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Worked When It Absolutely Should Have Failed
FAQ
Who is the real owner of Bubba Gump Shrimp?
In November 2010, Landry’s, Inc. acquired Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Does Tom Hanks own Bubba Gump Shrimp?
How much did Landrys buy Bubba Gump for?
Houston-based Landry’s paid $120 million for the Bubba Gump chain, which had been previously owned by a private equity group, Fertitta said.
Who is the CEO of Bubba Gump?
Scott Barnett – President/CEO at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co | LinkedIn.