The American rapper, record executive, and entrepreneur Rick Ross is investing in restaurant franchises like Wingstop. Should we be paying attention to Ross’s investment strategy?
I also share with you some legal battles he’s faced as a restaurant franchisee as well as the reasons why he decided to get into the franchise industry.
What Restaurant Franchises is Rick Ross Investing In?
Rick Ross is synonymous with Wingstop after the rapper opened his first Wingstop location in 2011. Up to this day, it is one of Ross’s biggest restaurant investment through the years.
The decision to invest in Wingstop was both strategic and personal, allowing Ross to merge his entrepreneurial ambitions with a brand he knew and enjoyed personally. Ross’s public endorsement and ownership of multiple Wingstop locations underscore his commitment and belief in the brand making him a proud ambassador for Wingstop’s flavorful wings.
Like so many other celebrities, Ross is able to use his celebrity to draw more attention to Wingstop. This additional additional ultimately results in more systemwide sales for the company. Every time Ross mentions Wingstop in a song lyric or in a social media post, it’s essentially free advertising.
Ross has not been shy about providing free promotion for the wing chain. For example, I know of at least 5 songs where Ross has mentioned the chain along with his fondness for the lemon pepper seasoning. Here are a few examples from various songs:
“Wingstop owner, lemon pepper aroma/Young black n***a, barely got a diploma.” – Song Title:Blk & Wht
“Waving at these b*tches, and I know these n****s hoe-ish/Take your b*tch to get lemon pepper in a new Lotus.” Song Title: King of Diamonds
“When I hit a lick it I bought a Wingstop/I sprinkle lemon pepper in that re-rock.” Song Title: Trap Boomin – Song by: Gucci Mane ft. Rick Ross
Checkers & Rally’s
But Rick Ross’s investment in the restaurant industry extends beyond Wingstop. In addition to his Wingstop franchises, the entrepreneur / entertainer invested in the Checkers and Rally’s restaurant chains. Ross’s decision to buy Checkers franchises was deeply rooted in his personal connection with the brand that goes far beyond just turning a profit.
He purchased a Checkers location in his hometown of Carol City, Florida. Ross bought the Checkers franchise right across the street from Miami Carol City Senior High School, his alma mater.
Owning these franchises allows him to provide jobs and invest back into the community that raised him. He emphasizes the importance of staying connected with one’s roots and giving back. In a documentary called “Buy Back the Block”, owning Checkers & Rally’s franchises fulfills a childhood dream. Ross used to save money from his car-wash job to eat at Checkers regularly. As he mentions in the video, “I want Checkers.”
Ross’s involvement in restaurant franchises like Wingstop and Checkers reflects his business acumen and a desire to connect with ventures that resonate with his personal tastes and values. It’s a part of his broader strategy to build a diversified portfolio that extends beyond his musical career.
One restaurant chain that Ross does not have a financial interest is Buffalo Wild Wings. There’s a bit of confusion that Ross has an interest in this company as well since the restaurant is also focused on chicken wings. But for clarity, Ross does not have any involvement or interest in this chicken chain.
How Many Wingstop Franchises Does Rick Ross Own?
Rick Ross owns 20 Wingstop franchises across the United States. According to reports, Wingstop’s revenue is $357.5 million in annual sales.
A Wingstop franchise owner reportedly earns around $1.25 million in sales and an estimated net profit of $200,000 a year with the franchise. Of course profit number will bounce around from year to year.
American rapper and businessman Rick Ross on the red carpet.
Does Rick Ross Own Any Checkers and Rally’s Locations?
Yes, Rick Ross owns a couple of Checkers and Rally’s locations. In 2016, the rapper announced his interest in partnering with Checkers and Rally’s. A year later, Ross opened his first Checkers and Rally’s franchise in Miami.
Checkers and Rally, another franchise of Rick Ross.
What Other Businesses is Rick Ross Investing In?
Rick Ross has been involved in various business ventures that extend beyond the restaurant industry. Here’s a look at some of the other business ventures Rick Ross has invested both time and money into.
Music
Rick Ross is the founder of the record label Maybach Music Group (MMG), which has signed various successful artists, including Meek Mill, Wale, and French Montana.
Real Estate
Like so many wealthy individuals, Ross has decided to invest into different types of real estate for a variety of reasons including cash flow, capital appreciation, tax benefits, and diversification. Here are a few of the properties we know Ross has an ownership stake in:
- An 85-acre estate in Fayetteville, Georgia, which he calls “The Promise Land.” The property included two houses and there’s speculation the property could be used to develop rentals.
- A mansion in Atlanta, Georgia. The 8-bedroom, 9.5-bathroom mansion was formerly owned by Meek Mill.
- A ranch in Montgomery County, Texas. The ranch includes 1,000 acres of land, a 7,000-square-foot mansion, and a horse stable. There’s even two buffalo living on the property according to this report from TMZ.
Personal Care Products
Ross has been involved with the men’s luxury hair and beard care line called RICH by Rick Ross.
Alcoholic Beverages
Ross has invested in two alcohol brands.
Belaire Rosé Champagne: Belaire Rosé is a brand of champagne that is owned by Sovereign Brands. Rick Ross has been a brand ambassador for Belaire Rosé since 2012 and he has his own signature “Rick Ross Edition” bottle.
1800 Tequila: 1800 Tequila is a brand of tequila that is owned by Proximo Spirits. Rick Ross has been a brand ambassador for 1800 Tequila since 2017.
Rick Ross has proven to be a diverse entrepreneur, involving himself in various industries and leveraging his brand in multiple ways. It’s clear that business is a game for Ross and he’s showing no signs of slowing down.
Legal Challenges Rick Ross Has Faced Running A Restaurant
Despite his success as an entrepreneur, Rick Ross also made headlines because of legal challenges along the way while operating Wingstop specifically.
In 2022, it was reported that the Department of Labor fined Rick Ross’ Mississippi Wing Stop locations for violating overtime, child labor, and minimum wage regulations. Apart from allowing a 15-year-old employee to work past 10 PM, investigators found out that the company has illegally forced their employees to pay for their uniforms, and training, including shortages in the cash register, among others.
Following the charges, the company was forced to pay $114,427 to cover the damages and penalties.
A fan-favorite at Wingstop.
Why is Rick Ross Investing in Restaurants?
Rick Ross’s foray into the restaurant business with franchises like Wingstop and Checkers is about much more than making more money. It’s an expression of a broader philosophy that guides his approach to business and life.
Connection to Community
Ross’s investments in restaurants are often deeply rooted in his connection to his community. Owning franchises in areas he’s familiar with, like his hometown of Carol City, Florida, brings a sense of giving back. He’s not just building a business; he’s creating jobs and nourishing the place that shaped him.
Alignment with Lifestyle and Image
Ross’s personal brand often melds luxury with authenticity. His investments in Wingstop, for example, align with his own love for food. This connection between his personal tastes and business ventures creates a synergy that resonates with his fans and followers.
Scalable Business Model
The franchise model of restaurants presents an attractive proposition for an investor like Ross. With established brand names, proven business models, and support from parent companies, franchises can offer a more predictable and scalable return on investment. It’s a way to diversify his portfolio while leveraging the support and recognition of already successful brands
Tangible and Relatable Investment
Unlike some other investment opportunities, restaurants are tangible and relatable. People understand food, and they connect with brands they enjoy. Ross’s investment in familiar and beloved restaurant chains allows him to engage with his audience in a way that’s immediate and visceral. It’s a business that people can taste and touch.
Entrepreneurial Spirit
Above all, Rick Ross’s investments in restaurants reflect his entrepreneurial spirit. He’s not confined by the boundaries of the music industry. His ambitions drive him to seek opportunities that resonate with his identity, his values, and his desire to build a legacy that extends beyond music.
In the bustling, ever-changing symphony of flavors and experiences that define the restaurant industry, Rick Ross has found a stage that complements his persona as an artist and entrepreneur. His investments are not merely financial transactions but a reflection of a holistic approach to life, where business, personal interests, community, and legacy all play a role in the decision making process.
Rick Ross with his employees at Wingstop.
How Did Rick Ross Get Famous?
Born William Leonard Roberts II, Rick Ross grew up in Carol City, Florida, a place that would leave an indelible mark on his life and music. His initial connection to fame was not as an artist, but rather within the correctional system, where he worked as a correctional officer. However, the world of hip-hop beckoned, and he adopted the stage name “Rick Ross,” inspired by the former drug trafficker “Freeway” Ricky Ross.
Ross’s journey to stardom began in earnest in the mid-2000s. His unmistakable deep, gravelly voice and knack for storytelling quickly gained attention in the music industry. In 2006, he released his debut studio album, “Port of Miami,” which soared to the top of the U.S. Billboard 200 chart. The lead single, “Hustlin’,” became a smash hit, with its hypnotic beat and Ross’s braggadocious lyrics encapsulating the essence of his style.
His success was no fleeting moment in the spotlight. Ross’s ability to blend tales of his past, with aspirational lyrics and lush, cinematic production, ensured his place in the hip-hop elite. Collaborations with industry giants like Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Lil Wayne further cemented his reputation.
But Ross’s influence extended beyond the microphone. He became a savvy businessman, investing in restaurant franchises like Wingstop and Checkers, founding the Maybach Music Group, and aligning himself with various brands.
His journey wasn’t without controversy and struggle, both legally and with his health. However, his resilience, combined with raw talent and business acumen, has made Rick Ross a multifaceted mogul in the music industry.
Rick Ross’s fame is a testament to his ability to evolve and adapt, a story of a man who turned a dream into a reality, connecting with fans through authenticity and ambition. His legacy continues to unfold, as the “Boss” builds on his empire, both in music and in the business world.
Rick Ross Net Worth
According to sources online, Rick Ross’ net worth is reported to be $150 million which is a testament to his multifaceted career that extends far beyond his achievements as a rapper and entertainer.
With a string of successful albums and the founding of Maybach Music Group, he solidified his musical legacy, but his entrepreneurial acumen has driven him further. Ross understands that income generated in the entertainment industry can be fleeting. Investments in Wingstop and Checkers restaurant franchises, strategic real estate ventures, brand partnerships, and endorsements with companies like Luc Belaire have diversified his portfolio and built the foundation for lifelong and even generational wealth.
This combination of musical talent, business savvy, adaptability, and thoughtful diversification has allowed Ross to build a financial empire that reflects both his artistic and entrepreneurial ambitions.
