Celebrity-Owned Restaurants That Are Actually Well Worth It
If you ever dreamed about one day owning your own restaurant, then you already have more in common with a number of celebrities than you might realize. Many famous folks have set their sights on owning their own restaurants, and whether it was through influence, wealth, culinary prowess, or any combination of those three, they made that dream a reality. Some have just one location they've poured their heart and soul into that you may have never heard of, while others have grown their restaurant brand into a foodie empire known nationwide.
There are actually more celebrity-owned restaurants than you might realize, ranging from family-friendly establishments to swanky bars and everything in between. And while some may seem like nothing but tourist gimmicks, many of these dining destinations present some serious culinary fare, if not a seriously good time. Here is a list of just some of the celebrity-owned restaurants you may want to consider adding to your must-visit list the next time you decide where to eat for dinner or plan a vacation. Who knows, you may even spot a familiar face or two while you're there.
Margaritaville (Jimmy Buffet)
Ever since the iconic song of the same name was first released in 1977, Jimmy Buffet has gone all in on the Margaritaville lifestyle. His lauded career as a singer and songwriter has evolved into a mega-brand, with restaurants, hotels, and product lines — one of which includes, of course, a margarita blender. The first Margaritaville restaurant opened in Key West, Florida, in 1985 and has since grown into a chain of 30 locations around the country and the Caribbean, including Las Vegas, Turks and Caicos, and more recently, New York City.
Margaritaville can feel like you just stepped into a live Jimmy Buffet concert, with all of the musician's hits playing in the background. Themed menu items include Volcano Nachos and a Cheeseburger in Paradise, and yes, there are plenty of margaritas.
Most locations include some sort of special effect that happens throughout the restaurant at a certain time (think Rainforest Cafe's thunderstorms, but for adults). Whether it's a giant blender turning on or a bikini-clad woman erupting out of a volcano, you will hardly have a dull moment in Margaritaville.
Rock & Brews (Gene Simmons)
This may not be too surprising, but the idea for Rock & Brews was actually inspired by the Hard Rock Cafe. After the chain's co-founder, Peter Morton, was introduced to longtime rock concert promoter Dave Furano an idea sparked for Furano to open a rock and roll-themed restaurant of his very own. In 2010, Furano would have the opportunity to fulfill that dream, thanks to a collaboration with restaurateur Michael Zislis and KISS members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, after a fateful hangout backstage during one of the band's concerts. Rock & Brews opened the doors of its original location in El Segundo, California later that year, and has since expanded to nearly two dozen locations around the United States.
Just over a decade after its flagship location opened, Rock & Brews continues to have its eyes on expansion. An article from FSR Magazine reveals the restaurant chain's plans to open additional locations in Las Vegas, Florida, Texas, and California. The Las Vegas expansion comes after the chain opened its first casino location in Braman, Oklahoma in 2022.
The restaurant is big on providing a family-friendly atmosphere, with some locations even allowing customers to bring their dogs. Parents can enjoy an extensive list of beers on tap, with local breweries featured at each location.
Rock n Roll Ribs (Nicko Boomer McBrain)
As it turns out, restaurants seem to pair nicely with a little rock and roll. One of the latest rock stars to join the restaurant world is Iron Maiden drummer Nicko "Boomer" McBrain, who opened Rock n Roll Ribs in Coral Springs, Florida. After falling in love with baby back ribs, McBrain decided to try making them himself, per WSVN Miami. McBrain even developed his own molasses-based sweet barbecue sauce that he claims is the key to the restaurant's success.
Besides baby back ribs, the restaurant, which touts itself as "where BBQ meets metal," features a menu of all the classic barbecue fixings, including pulled pork and chicken, burgers, wings, and all the classic sides. The restaurant seems to be a hit with patrons since opening, with one customer telling WSVN Miami that Rock n Roll Ribs is "the only place in the world" worth visiting if you are craving a plate of ribs.
Fleetwood's on Front St. (Mick Fleetwood)
The next celebrity-owned restaurant can only be found along the western shores of the island of Maui in the state of Hawaii. Fleetwood's on Front St., as you may have guessed by the name, was opened by Mick Fleetwood of the band Fleetwood Mac. The restaurant offers cozy, welcoming vibes with impeccable views you'd expect to find at a place like this. Rooftop dining is a big draw, but the restaurant also offers plenty of live entertainment as well as an indoor bar fully decked out with leather seating and a more sophisticated vibe (via Condé Nast Traveler).
Whether you choose to sip a mai tai on the roof or an old fashioned down in the bar, Fleetwood's on Front St. seems to have made a good impression on the guests that have visited over the years. Five star reviews are plentiful, with one customer on TripAdvisor noting how Fleetwood's on Front St. was one of the best dining experiences they had while in town. Another review on TripAdvisor advises guests to make reservations as far ahead as possible to make sure you get a seat with a view. And another of the many reviewers on TripAdvisor suggests visiting during happy hour for the best experience.
Wahlburgers (Donnie and Mark Wahlberg)
There are family-owned restaurants, and then there's Wahlburgers. Celebrity brothers Donnie and Mark Wahlberg joined forces with their third sibling, Paul (the chef of the family), to open a burger shop in 2011 in Hingham, Massachusetts. Three years later, the first franchise location opened in Toronto around the same time that the A&E series "Wahlburgers," began airing. The series covered the chain's expansion over the years. Today, you will find locations in two dozen states across the U.S., from New Jersey to California, and Minnesota to Hawaii.
Wahlburgers specializes in, you guessed it, hamburgers. In case you were wondering, according to the menu, Mark's burger of choice is the Impossible Burger, and Donnie's favorite is the BBQ Bacon. A reporter for Insider noted during a visit that the fast-casual burger restaurant does indeed do a great job slinging meat between buns, which adds Wahlburgers to the long list of accolades achieved by this star-studded family.
Cabo Wabo Cantina (Sammy Hagar)
If you have taken a vacation to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, at any point since 1990 then you are probably well aware of this next celebrity-owned restaurant. Cabo Wabo Cantina is owned by famed rock and roll star Sammy Hagar, and transforms from a restaurant to a full blown nightclub seven days a week. Make no mistake — when you visit Cabo Wabo, you are there to have a good time. In addition to its lunch and dinner menus, the restaurant serves as a venue for daily live entertainment. A second location is also open in Las Vegas at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino.
Cabo Wabo Cantina began selling a house brand of tequila by the same name, which grew in popularity and eventually began distribution worldwide. Hagar eventually sold his Cabo Wabo Tequila brand for $80 million (via Ultimate Classic Rock). But do not fret, because according to the menu, the tequila is still being served at the cantina to this day.
27 Club Coffee (Machine Gun Kelly)
You may know rapper Machine Gun Kelly for a lot of reasons if you follow celebrity news, but coffee shop owner may not be one of those things. A quick stop at 27 Coffee Club in his home city of Cleveland, Ohio, however, will prove otherwise. If you are familiar with his unique brand and persona, then you will feel right at home in this coffee shop, which first opened in 2020 and is dripping in all things pink. If you want to catch a glimpse of MGK himself, you will want to try to coordinate your travel plans with his, as he is known to stop by the shop frequently when he is in the area, according to The Travel Addict.
Whether you spot Machine Gun Kelly or not, you can still swing by 27 Club Coffee for its unique vibes and equally unique drinks. The shop serves up breakfast and lunch items all day long, but the claim to fame is the drinks. Stop by in the morning for the Pink Latte, which The CSU Cauldron claims is absolutely "worth the hype." Later in the day, you can come back for one of the many cocktails, including a Lithium Lemonade or a 27 Margarita.
Nic & Norman's (Greg Nicotero & Norman Reedus)
If you are a fan of the AMC series, "The Walking Dead," then this next restaurant is for you. Co-owned by the show's special effects artist, Greg Nicotero, along with Daryl Dixon himself (aka Norman Reedus), Nic & Norman's first location opened in 2016 in Senoia, Georgia, not too far from many of the filming locations for "The Walking Dead." Since then, two additional locations have opened in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Lexington, Kentucky.
While the location and the owners might lead one to think that the restaurant would be oozing with zombies, think again. Nic & Norman's actually deviates quite a bit from the show's central theme, and offers a casual dining experience that can be enjoyed by fans as well as those who have never even heard of "The Walking Dead." According to People Magazine, Nicotero claims that the decision to not lean on any sort of apocalypse theme for the restaurant was very intentional, saying that they "really wanted the place to have a little more of an upscale feel." Customers can expect to choose from a selection of flatbreads, gourmet burgers, entrees, and an extensive cocktail menu.
Jason Aldean's Kitchen + Rooftop Bar (Jason Aldean)
Nashville, Tennessee, tends to be a top bucket list city for music lovers. Here, you will find not only the legendary Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame, but you will also come across a slew of other music venues frequently headlined by popular singers and music acts. One of which is Jason Aldean's Kitchen + Rooftop Bar. Not only does Jason Aldean's self-named establishment provide entertainment, but it keeps its patrons fed, too. Aldean's menu specializes in comfort foods like chicken and waffles, pot roast, and country cornbread, along with some crowd pleasers like burgers, salads, and nachos.
And while guests might come for the food, they may wind up staying for the entertainment. The restaurant partnered with radio company iHeart to produce its very own music studio, where both up-and-coming musicians as well as A-list stars have been known to make appearances. Live music can be found from morning until close across two floors of performance spaces, giving guests little reason to leave once you are full from eating.
Saints and Sinners (Channing Tatum)
Saints and Sinners opened on Bourbon Street in 2012 with a name fitting for its home city of New Orleans (via Vulture). Owned by actor Channing Tatum, the restaurant lives up to its motto — "Love Thy Neighbor and do good while being bad". — by being actively involved with several charities throughout the city, all while embracing a 'laissez les bons temps rouler' attitude (French for let the good times roll).
Like many restaurants in the city of New Orleans, Saints and Sinners focuses on seafood cuisine, with crawfish boils, oysters, and southern comfort food heavily featured on the menu. The venue can also be used for a variety of events, including rehearsal dinners, after-parties, and bachelorette parties (via The Knot). According to iExplore, Saints and Sinners is truly Channing Tatum's very own "Magic Mike" club made reality, where the drinks are plentiful and the energy can last all night long.
Gekkō (Bad Bunny and David Grutman)
Miami is a city full of energy, with plenty of restaurants and nightclubs to keep you up and at 'em until the sun rises the next morning. Looking to make his own mark on the city, rapper Bad Bunny partnered with club owner David Grutman to create Gekkō, a steakhouse specializing in Japanese cuisine, with a menu that includes Wagyu beef and various sushi dishes. According to Infatuation, this is currently one of the hardest weekend reservations to grab, so make sure you book out far ahead of your visit to Miami, or consider a trip during the week.
As its menu may suggest, Gekkō is aiming for true VIP vibes, complete with velvet ropes and gold-leafed ingredients. According to Thrillist, despite being a Japanese-style steakhouse, Gekkō's menu has something on it for every palate, including plant-based options, seafood, and shared plates for everyone at the table. Once you have had your fill of food, Gekkō also features a lounge where you can dance the night away (to plenty of Bad Bunny tunes, be sure).
The Bedford (Martha Stewart)
A Martha Stewart restaurant is perhaps something you might expect to find amongst the crashing waves on Cape Cod, or maybe even a quiet street on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Instead, The Bedford can be found at the Paris Las Vegas Resort and Casino, smack in the middle of the Las Vegas strip. The chimes of the slot machines might not be what you pictured in your mind when you picked up the latest issue of Martha Stewart Magazine, but this unique restaurant is all about providing a one-of-a-kind experience, something that Vegas knows very well.
The restaurant, named after Stewart's home in Bedford, New York, is an immersive dining experience that brings guests into a replica house fashioned by the famous homemaker herself. With different rooms throughout, it will almost feel as if you are an honored guest at Martha Stewart's actual home.
Now, it is worth mentioning that the New York Times reported that The Bedford is not owned outright by Martha Stewart. The restaurant is actually owned and operated by Caesars Entertainment in partnership with Stewart. But make no mistake, she definitely had a heavy hand in developing the restaurant, as one would expect when sitting in a replica dining room of her New York home.
Ole Red (Blake Shelton)
Musician-owned restaurants are perhaps the newest frontier in Nashville, Tennessee. Jason Aldean is not the only country superstar to have his very own eatery in the city. Blake Shelton turned his hit song Ol' Red into a business venture, opening the restaurant and concert hall Ole Red in Nashville in 2018. This came after Shelton opened the first location in his hometown of Tishomingo, Oklahoma in 2017 (via Knox News). But the Nashville location really put this place on the map. Expansion has continued over the years, with restaurants and adjoining concert venues opening in cities like Orlando, Florida, and Las Vegas, Nevada. There's even a location in the Nashville airport.
The menu has all of the usual suspects you would expect to find at a Nashville-centric establishment, including burgers, southern cuisine, and plenty of beer and cocktails. But the idea behind Ole Red is not just about serving up top-notch food, but perhaps more importantly, creating opportunities for budding performers. For Shelton, Ole Red serves as an opportunity to pay it forward to the next generation of musicians. Speaking to KLAS News in Las Vegas Shelton expressed that "having these locations for artists to play in different parts of the country is a dream come true."
Mom's Spaghetti (Eminem)
If you are familiar with Eminem's earlier work, then you probably just let out a little chuckle after reading the name of this next restaurant. Seriously, A-plus job on the branding behind Mom's Spaghetti, which we hope doesn't wind up on your sweater with your knees weak and arms heavy. The restaurant concept, which was created in partnership between the rapper and local restaurant group, is inspired by Eminem's hit song "Lose Yourself", can be found in his home city of Detroit (via NPR). Before it was a full on restaurant, Mom's Spaghetti was a pop-up. And according to a news release on the musician's website, Mom's Spaghetti was an active participant in making several food donations to local hospital workers and vaccine administrators during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. After that, the team decided to bring Mom's Spaghetti to the masses in 2021. The shop features a very small menu of pasta dishes, including spaghetti with or without meatballs (vegan options are also available), as well as s'ghetti sandwiches.
Mom's Spaghetti is still known to make pop-up appearances around the country. A temporary shop opened in Los Angeles around the 2022 Super Bowl, during which Eminem performed in the Halftime Show (via People Magazine). And another pop-up shop opened in New York City in November 2022 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of "8 Mile," the film in which Eminem's hit single and restaurant namesake "Lose Yourself" was first released.
The Mermaid Oyster Bar (Zach Braff)
Amidst massive success on the hit TV show, "Scrubs," actor and director Zach Braff began to set his sights on an entirely different path — restaurants. Braff and partners opened The Mermaid Oyster Bar in Manhattan in 2009, specifically on MacDougal Street in Greenwich Village. The restaurant specializes in seafood and is best known for its lobster rolls and, appropriately, oysters. The village location has been a standalone hit for years, and there are additional Mermaid Inn locations, though those are unaffiliated with Braff. And there's another Mermaid Oyster Bar location set to open in Times Square soon.
Customers seem to be quite fond of The Mermaid Oyster Bar, with glowing reviews easy to find on TripAdvisor. One reviewer in particular enjoyed the oysters during happy hour, while another reviewer enjoyed a variety of dishes, including the clam chowder and calamari. Another standout feature at the restaurant appears to be the great service, with just as many reviews pointing out how wonderful and welcoming the staff is. It sure sounds like the place to be if you find yourself in Manhattan looking for some top-notch oysters and cocktails.