Many professional athletes transition into the business world after their playing careers, and the restaurant industry has become a prime investment opportunity for some of the biggest names in sports. While their fame provides a strong foundation, it’s their strategic approach, leadership, and ability to build strong teams that drive their success. Let’s look at four athletes who have excelled in the restaurant business and the lessons they offer.

Shaquille O’Neal: The Power of Brand & Expansion

Shaq’s larger-than-life personality extends beyond basketball and into his growing restaurant empire. He owns several fast-food franchises, including Krispy Kreme and Papa John’s, where he also serves on the board of directors. Additionally, he launched Big Chicken, a fast-casual concept that combines his love for comfort food with high-quality ingredients. Shaq’s hands-on involvement in branding and expansion has made Big Chicken a rising player in the competitive fast-casual market.

Magic Johnson: Community-Centered Growth

Magic Johnson is not just a basketball legend; he’s a powerhouse entrepreneur. His company, Magic Johnson Enterprises, has owned numerous Burger King and Starbucks franchises, and he played a key role in bringing high-end dining options to underserved communities. His investment in TGI Fridays and partnerships with various restaurant groups highlight his ability to merge business acumen with community impact. Magic’s approach proves that restaurant success isn’t just about profit—it’s about creating opportunities.

Junior Bridgeman: Mastering Multi-Unit Operations

One of the most successful athlete restaurateurs, Junior Bridgeman built a fast-food empire with over 450 restaurants in its prime, including Wendy’s franchises. His success came from focusing on operational excellence and scalability—two core principles of franchise growth. Bridgeman’s disciplined, team-oriented leadership style allowed him to run large-scale operations effectively, a model that any aspiring multi-unit operator can learn from.

Drew Brees: Aligning Passion with Business Strategy

Drew Brees is a major franchisee of Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux, a fast-growing sports bar chain. His involvement in scaling the brand nationwide shows the importance of investing in a concept that aligns with your values. Walk-On’s thrives because it creates an experience, not just a meal, something consultants frequently stress when helping brands stand out in a crowded market.

Key Takeaways for Restaurateurs

The success of these athletes highlights key industry insights:

• Branding & Expansion – A strong brand identity fuels growth.
• Market Strategy – Understanding demographics and location impact is critical.

• Operational Excellence – Efficiency at scale drives profitability.
• Experience Matters – A restaurant must be more than just food; it should create a memorable experience.

Goliath Consulting Group is a restaurant consultancy group based in Atlanta, Georgia. To learn more about our services including menu development, business strategy, marketing, and restaurant operations, contact us at http://www.goliathconsulting.com or email us at getresults@goliathconsulting.com