Lots of Black celebrities in the United States are making their mark in the food industry, launching and investing in businesses that range from fast-food franchises to fine dining establishments and packaged goods.
Although there is a lack of comprehensive data on the precise number of such ventures as a result of the private nature of many investments, the trend highlights a burgeoning movement of Black celebrities in the culinary sector, which is motivated by innovation, cultural influence, and a dedication to community empowerment.
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Among the celebrities is Shaquille O’Neal, who has built an expansive portfolio, owning 155 Five Guys Burgers franchises, 17 Auntie Anne’s Pretzels outlets, and a historic Krispy Kreme store in Atlanta.
Rapper Rick Ross has also carved out a significant presence, owning nine Wingstop locations and recently announcing investments in the Checkers fast-food chain.
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Michael Jordan, a sports icon, has operated Michael Jordan’s The Steak House since 1998, with locations now in New York, Chicago, Connecticut, and Washington, offering high-end dining experiences.
In the restaurant scene, Nas co-owns Sweet Chick, a beloved New York brunch spot known for its fried chicken and waffles, while Jay-Z’s 40/40 Club in New York City combines upscale dining with a sports bar atmosphere.
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Vegan influencer Tabitha Brown partnered to open Kale My Name in Los Angeles, serving plant-based dishes like cauliflower wings, reflecting her advocacy for health-conscious eating.
Venus Williams, known for her tennis prowess, owns four Jamba Juice locations, aligning her brand with wellness-focused offerings.
Patti LaBelle’s sweet potato pies, launched with Walmart in 2015, have become a sensation, selling at a rate of one every two seconds and expanding into flavors like peach cobbler.
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Snoop Dogg’s Broadus Foods offers Snoop Loopz cereal, alongside Indigo gin and Cali Red wine, while Master P has introduced pancake mix, syrup, and rice under his brand, complementing his Rap Snacks venture.
This surge aligns with broader growth in Black-owned businesses. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were 194,585 Black-owned employer firms in 2022, a significant increase from 124,004 in 2017, with revenues rising 66% to $211.8 billion over the same period.
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However, Black-owned firms still represent just 3% of all U.S. businesses, highlighting persistent structural barriers like limited access to capital—Black founders received only 1.2% of venture capital funding in 2021, per a Citigroup study estimating a $16 trillion economic loss due to such disparities since 2000.
Critics argue that celebrity involvement can overshadow smaller Black-owned food businesses, potentially skewing market dynamics. Yet, many see these high-profile ventures as a beacon, inspiring entrepreneurship and bringing visibility to Black culinary innovation. As these celebrities leverage their platforms, they are not only reshaping the food industry but also challenging systemic inequities, one bite at a time.
