OPINIONFinancing

Jimmy Buffett wasn't wasting away in Margaritaville

Restaurant Rewind: The pop singer and proponent of a never-ending happy hour was that rare rock star who found nearly as much success in the hospitality business as he did in music. And he did have some company.

If you can play a guitar and sell records, why not parlay your notoriety into a second career as restaurateur?

That questionable line of thinking has led a number of stars to try their hand at the business, usually with unexciting if not disastrous results. But that can’t be said about the late mega-star who epitomized the laid-back lifestyle, the antithesis of what’s needed to succeed in a notoriously frantic trade that requires intense attention to detail.

Jimmy Buffett lent his name, time and money in no less than three restaurant ventures, two of which are still chugging along as exceptions that prove the rule. In this week’s episode of Restaurant Rewind, we look at the business empire Buffett built without blurring his perception as someone who believed happy hour should never end. (In truth, Buffett stopped drinking years ago.)

And he’s not alone. We also take a quick look at two other rockstars-turned-restaurateurs who cultivated an image contrary to Buffett. Consider it a Kiss of appreciation.

Hit play to see what we mean.

Members help make our journalism possible. Become a Restaurant Business member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.

Multimedia

Exclusive Content

Financing

The ongoing dangers of third-party delivery

The Bottom Line: The parent company of Tender Greens, which filed for bankruptcy this week, is laying part of the blame on its heavier reliance on delivery orders.

Technology

As restaurant tech consolidates, an ode to the point solution

Tech Check: All-in-one may be all the rage, but there’s value in being a one-trick pony.

Financing

Steak and Ale comes back from the dead, 16 years later

The Bottom Line: Paul Mangiamele has vowed to bring the venerable casual-dining chain back for more than a decade. He finally fulfilled that promise. Here’s a look inside.

Trending

More from our partners