Tilman Fertitta, an American billionaire businessman and television personality, is most known for owning Landry’s, Inc., a restaurant and entertainment empire with over 600 locations in 36 states and 15 countries.
He also owns the Houston Rockets, an NBA professional basketball franchise, and stars on the CNBC show Billion Dollar Buyer. How did he get so successful and wealthy? In this article, we will study the career and achievements of Tilman Fertitta, from his humble origins in Galveston, Texas, to his current standing as the “World’s Richest Restaurateur.”
Tilman Fertitta Net Worth
According to Forbes, his net worth was estimated to be $9.35 billion in January 2024, ranking him as the 256th richest person in the world and the 20th richest sports owner.
Tilman Fertitta is the CEO, chairman, and owner of Landry’s, Inc., as well as the Houston Rockets, an NBA team. Fertitta starred in the CNBC reality show “Billion Dollar Buyer.”
Early Life and Education
Tilman Fertitta was born in 1957 in Galveston, Texas, to a family of Sicilian origin. His father, Vic, had a seafood restaurant on the island, and Tilman would assist out after school by peeling shrimp.
He studied business administration and hospitality management at Texas Tech and the University of Houston but dropped out before graduating. He began his entrepreneurial path in the 1980s by selling and promoting Shaklee supplements.
He established and managed a building and development company, and completed his first large project, the Key Largo Hotel in Galveston.
| Name | Tilman Fertitta |
| Profession | American Businessman |
| Date of Birth | 25 June 1957 |
| Age | 65 years old |
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches |
| Net Worth | $9.35 Billion |
Landry’s, Inc.
Fertitta’s breakthrough came in 1986 when he purchased a controlling interest in Landry’s Seafood, a restaurant chain he helped launch in 1980. He became Landry’s sole owner in 1988, and the company went public in 1993.
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Under his tenure, Landry swiftly grew, adding new concepts and brands to its portfolio, including Rainforest Cafe, Morton’s The Steakhouse, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., McCormick & Schmick’s, and Golden Nugget Casinos.
He also purchased other iconic assets, including the Kemah Boardwalk, San Luis Resort, and Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier. Fertitta took Landry’s private again in 2010 for $1.4 billion. By 2011, the company’s valuation had increased to almost $1.7 billion.
Houston Rockets
Fertitta realized his lifelong dream of owning a professional sports team when he paid $2.2 billion for the Houston Rockets in 2017, the highest price ever paid for an NBA franchise.
Fertitta, a Rockets devotee since boyhood, knocked out numerous other bidders, including Beyoncé and the former owner, Leslie Alexander. Fertitta expressed gratitude for the opportunity to become the future owner of the Rockets, calling it a “life-long dream come true.”
Billion Dollar Buyer
Fertitta also rose to prominence on television in 2016, when he debuted his reality show on CNBC, Billion Dollar Buyer.
Fertitta travels across the country to meet with small company owners and entrepreneurs, offering them the opportunity to pitch him on their products or services.
If he likes what he sees, he strikes a deal with them to purchase their items for his restaurants, casinos, hotels, or sports teams. The show intends to highlight Fertitta’s commercial expertise and mentoring while also assisting small businesses in growing and succeeding.
Personal Life
Fertitta married Paige Farwell in 1991, and the couple had four children before their divorce. He later married attorney Lauren Ware.
Fertitta’s book, “Shut Up and Listen! Hard Business Truths That Will Help You Succeed” was published in 2019. The book describes his entrepreneurial journey and guides entrepreneurs.
Tilman Fertitta Height And Weight
Tilman Fertitta is a well-known American businessman, born on June 25, 1957. Tilman Fertitta earns a solid income from his career. Tilman Fertitta is 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs 75 kg (165 pounds).
Tilman Fertitta Age
Tilman Fertitta is a prominent businessman and entrepreneur who has made great strides in the restaurant, hotel, and entertainment industries. He will be 65 years old in February 2024 and has been actively involved in business for several decades.
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