Six Academy Awards were given to Tom Hanks for his role in “Forrest Gump,” which had a big effect on the shrimp-themed restaurant Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Most restaurants already exist if they make an appearance in a movie, or are simply made-up places. But in this case, the restaurant was inspired by the film. “Forrest Gump” was a huge hit, and many people have either seen the movie or heard the quotes and catchphrases from it, like “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get.” If you liked the movie, you might want to go to the restaurant just to see all the movie memorabilia on the walls.
In the case of the restaurant, Paramount Films and a restaurant company, Rusty Pelican Restaurants Inc. (via Los Angeles Times), decided to work together to make a real-life version: a restaurant where people could eat, talk, and look at photos and memorabilia from the movie. The restaurant would also have a lot of different dishes, but the shrimp would be the main attraction. Most people know the restaurant’s name from the movie “Forrest Gump,” but there are some surprising facts about the company, like the fact that it has locations all over the world, has a volunteer organization where employees can give their time, and was even sued by a former worker.
In the 1994 film Forrest Gump, Tom Hanks portrayed the lovable title character who accidentally builds a shrimping empire called Bubba Gump Shrimp Co That fictional company later became a real restaurant chain capitalizing on the popularity of the movie But does Hanks actually earn any money from the success of Bubba Gump Shrimp today? Let’s break down the facts.
The Origin Story of Bubba Gump Shrimp
In Forrest Gump, Forrest co-founds Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. with his best friend Bubba Blue, honoring Bubba’s dream of running a shrimp business. After Bubba tragically dies in Vietnam, Forrest makes good on their plan, purchasing a shrimping boat and equipment.
Through a series of serendipitous events, Forrest’s shrimping company explodes into a hugely profitable corporation, making him an accidental millionaire Bubba Gump Shrimp is prominently featured throughout the film as a symbol of Forrest’s success
Of course, Bubba Gump Shrimp was purely fictional when Forrest Gump first premiered in theaters But the brand’s popularity led to some real-world actualization
Bubba Gump Shrimp Becomes a Real Restaurant Chain
In 1996, entertainment company Viacom Consumer Products licensed the rights to use the Bubba Gump Shrimp name and imagery for merchandising. Viacom teamed up with businessman Robert Earl to launch an actual Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. seafood restaurant in Universal CityWalk, inspired by the fictional company.
Decked out in Forrest Gump memorabilia and motifs, the eatery aimed to bring the film’s world alive through creative dishes named after characters and references. The restaurant was a huge hit, sparking rapid expansion across the globe. Today there are over 40 Bubba Gump dining locations, serving up movie-themed cuisine like Lieutenant Dan’s Drunken Shrimp and Forrest’s Seafood Feast.
Hanks Does Not Own the Bubba Gump Brand
Given that Bubba Gump Shrimp traces its concept back to Forrest Gump, a reasonable assumption is that Tom Hanks financially benefits from the restaurant chain. Especially considering his character started the business on screen.
However, despite his close creative association, Hanks does not own any part of Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. or earn licensing revenues from the restaurants. The rights belong solely to Viacom Consumer Products and Earl’s company.
Forrest Gump was produced by Paramount Pictures, owned by Viacom. The studio retained the rights to commercial use of brands and elements from the film. When Viacom later licensed Bubba Gump, that deal did not involve compensation to the film’s cast members.
So while Forrest Gump spawned the idea, Hanks unfortunately has no stake in the success of his character’s fictional shrimp empire in real life.
But Hanks’ Link Still Benefits the Chain
Though he misses out on direct profits, Tom Hanks’ enduring connection to Forrest Gump continues to benefit Bubba Gump Shrimp. The restaurants lean heavily on nostalgia for the film and Hanks’ portrayal of the kind-hearted Southern shrimping magnate.
Bubba Gump establishments are adorned in movie production materials, like photos of Forrest and Bubba, shrimp boat props, and Forrest’s Medal of Honor. The décor and memorabilia play up the relationship to Forrest Gump lore. Menu items also reference characters, quotes and plot points through their cheeky names.
These touches remind customers of the classic film and Hanks’ performance, adding to the restaurants’ appeal. Hanks occasionally making special appearances at Bubba Gump locations also generates publicity and interest. So his association remains a valuable asset for the brand, even without direct compensation.
Hanks’ Financial Stake in Forrest Gump’s Success
If he doesn’t profit from Bubba Gump Shrimp, how did Tom Hanks benefit financially from Forrest Gump’s widespread success?
Forrest Gump became a massive box office hit and pop culture sensation after its 1994 release. The film grossed over $677 million worldwide during its theatrical run.
As the star and executive producer, Hanks negotiated a deal entitling him to a percentage of the box office gross receipts. On most films, this backend deal provides a contingent payout after certain box office benchmarks are hit.
Forrest Gump’s profits likely earned Hanks an enormous sum over time from his points on the grosses. He also benefited from the film’s increased value in television, streaming, and home video rights resulting from its popularity.
So while the Bubba Gump restaurant rights eluded him, Hanks still profited handsomely from the overall triumph of Forrest Gump as both actor and producer. He just sadly didn’t obtain a slice of the licensed merchandise like the seafood chain.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Company remains a massively successful enterprise spawned from the fictional brand in Forrest Gump. But despite creating the on-screen inspiration, Tom Hanks has no ownership stake or royalties from the restaurant chain. However, his enduring association with the beloved film continues to provide value to the restaurants through marketing and nostalgia. So Hanks still reaps immense financial rewards from Forrest Gump’s success, even if Bubba’s shrimp eluded his net.
Actor Chris Pratt: Bubba Gump waiter turned film star
It´s common for hopeful actors to work at a restaurant to make ends meet while pursuing their show business career. Actor Chris Pratt got his big break while working as a waiter at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. But instead of working in Southern California, he was based in Hawaii. He was living out of his van at 19 years old, according to an article at “Today.”
And then one day, he got a lucky break when he waited on (and, fortunately, recognized) Rae Dawn Chong, director and actor known for the film “The Color Purple” (via Buzzfeed). He struck up a conversation, highlighting he recognized her. One thing led to another, and Chong, the daughter of Tommy Chong (of Cheech and Chong) offered to put him in a film. Although the horror film never debuted, it did encourage Pratt to move to Los Angeles and, eventually, more work as an actor than as a waiter, according to Buzzfeed.
You can eat stateside or abroad
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. has become a successful international seafood restaurant chain, both in the United States and internationally. The first restaurant debuted on Cannery Row in Monterey, California in 1996, according to their website. Within a couple years, they opened more restaurants in California before expanding to other states.
Today, you can find plenty of locations in 10 different states in the US, from California and Colorado to Maryland and Mississippi. If you´re traveling abroad to Asia, visiting the city of London, or enjoying the beautiful beaches in Mexico, and you start having cravings for all things shrimp (and perhaps all things Gump, too), you can satisfy your palette by enjoying a meal at this themed restaurant. According to the companys website, there are locations in several different countries, including Bali, Canada, China, Japan, England, Mexico and Qatar. Their website mentions 23 restaurants in the United States (six each in California and Florida alone).
Forrest Gump (1994) – Bubba on Shrimp Scene | Movieclips
FAQ
Who owns the rights to Bubba Gump Shrimp Co?
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Company type
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Subsidiary
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Headquarters
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Houston, Texas
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Number of locations
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35 restaurants
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Area served
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United States Canada United Kingdom Mexico Mainland China Hong Kong Indonesia Japan Qatar
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Parent
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Landry’s, Inc. (2010–present)
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How much does Tom Hanks make in residuals from Forrest Gump?
Why did Tom Hanks not get paid for Forrest Gump?
How much money did Bubba Gump shrimp make?
Is Bubba Gump Shrimp Co based on Tom Hanks?
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. is the only restaurant that has its inception purely in a motion picture, which is the 1994 Tom Hanks film ‘Forrest Gump’. If you’ve ever wondered about the link between the restaurant and the iconic actor, this is the explanation.
Why is Bubba Gump Shrimp so popular?
Forrest Gump has become an iconic film, despite Tom Hanks thinking Forrest Gump was going to flop, and the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company has taken advantage of that by using the film to promote the business. The name Bubba Gump Shrimp alone is enough to excite the interest of the legions of Forrest Gump fans.
Who owns Bubba Gump Shrimp?
In 2010, Landry’s Inc. bought the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. and continued expansion of the franchise. Bubba Gump Shrimp now has 34 restaurants worldwide, serving dishes named after characters from Forrest Gump. The restaurants themselves are Forrest Gump themed, sporting all kinds of Forrest Gump- related decorations and tributes.
Did ‘Forrest Gump’ influence Bubba Gump?
The film “Forrest Gump,” with six Academy Awards and Tom Hanks in the title role, had a significant impact on the shrimp-themed restaurant Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Most restaurants already exist if they make an appearance in a movie, or are simply made-up places. But in this case, the restaurant was inspired by the film.