With the growth of food outlets over the years, it is tough to keep track of an accurate number of food chains and restaurants popping up each year. The diversity of cuisine, pricing, menu options, dining-style help users all across the United States to find their next new and favorite place to grab a bite to eat. 

Because of the increasing interest from consumers in dining out, it is no surprise that big name celebrities have jumped on board. 

Whether it is your favorite fast food restaurant or a restaurant you just had to try, you might just be surprised to know that some of these restaurants were started or owned by celebrities. Here are 12 fast-food restaurants that celebrities are associated with.

1. Krispy Kreme, Auntie Anne's, Papa John's, and Five Guys

Shaquille O'Neal's investment in the food industry has paid off handsomely. His brands are some of the most popular and profitable in the world. With an outstanding net worth of $400 million dollars, Shaq has amassed quite a fortune since his days in the NBA.

Five Guys seems to be Shaq’s latest investment in the food space. He now owns 155 Five Guys restaurants which accounts for 10% of all franchised locations. I think it is safe to say that Shaq enjoys a good burger.

Along with his burger ventures, he also has his hands in other profitable restaurants. Some notable favorites are Krispy Kreme (1 location), Auntie Anne's (17 locations), Papa John's (9 locations). While this list consists of some fan favorites, Shaq has a handful of other food-related businesses that are included in his portfolio.

2. Wahlburgers

Wahlburgers is a burger restaurant chain founded by actor Mark Wahlberg and his brothers, Paul and Donnie. The first restaurant opened in Hingham, Massachusetts, in 2011, and there are now locations across the United States, Canada, and Europe. The menu features burgers, sandwiches, salads, and other American comfort food favorites.

Wahlburgers currently has 49 locations of the fast food restaurant.

3. Miami Grill and El Dorado 305

Pitbull is the proud owner of Miami Grill, a restaurant chain specializing in Cuban and Latin American cuisine. The restaurant chain has locations in Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Las Vegas, expanding to new markets yearly. Miami Grill is known for its delicious food and friendly staff, and Pitbull is proud to be associated with such a successful business.

Pitbull also had a restaurant by the name of iLov305, which was rebranded about a year later with the new restaurant name of El Dorado 305.

4. Chicken + Beer

Ludacris, best known for his work in the hip-hop industry, is the owner of Chicken + Beer. The restaurant, located in Atlanta, is a Southern-style eatery that offers a variety of chicken dishes and beers. Ludacris is passionate about food and music and hopes to bring the two together at his restaurant. He has said that he wants to create a place where people can come to enjoy good food and good vibes.

5. Blaze Pizza

Blaze Pizza is a chain of fast-casual pizza restaurants founded in 2012. The company is based in Pasadena, California, and has over 300 locations in the United States and Canada. Blaze Pizza is known for its custom-built pizzas, made from scratch and cooked in less than two minutes.

LeBron James became a minority investor in the company in 2012 and now owns a small stake in the business. In 2015, James announced that he would open his own Blaze Pizza franchise in his hometown of Akron, Ohio. The restaurant opened its doors in 2016 and has been an enormous success. James has said that he plans to open more Blaze Pizza franchises.

6. Trejo's Coffee & Donuts and Trejo's Tacos

Trejo's Coffee & Donuts and Trejo's Tacos are owned by Danny Trejo, an actor and restauranteur best known for his roles in action movies. The businesses are located in Los Angeles, offering a unique take on traditional Mexican cuisine. The menu at Trejo's Coffee & Donuts features a variety of gourmet donuts, while the tacos at Trejo's Tacos are made with fresh, handmade tortillas. In addition to being delicious, the food at both Trejo's businesses is also affordably priced.

7. Chicken Guy! At Disneyworld

In 2018, Fieri opened Chicken Guy!, a fast-casual chicken restaurant, at Disney Springs in Walt Disney World Resort. The restaurant features chicken tenders in 22 different sauces, salads, sandwiches, and rice bowls.

Fieri said he was inspired to open the restaurant after eating chicken fingers at a fast-food chain and thinking they could be done better. He teamed up with Robert Earl, the founder of Planet Hollywood, to make his dream a reality.

8. Hart House

Hart House was founded by Kevin Hart, who is committed to the future of food and customers' overall well-being. The restaurant offers a variety of healthy and delicious options, including a wide selection of vegetarian dishes. It is also committed to sustainability and sources its ingredients from local and organic farms whenever possible. In addition to its great food, Hart House offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff, and a relaxed vibe.

9. 125 Locations Of Starbucks

According to a recent report, 125 locations of Starbucks were owned by Magic Johnson. This was a significant ownership stake for the basketball legend and businessman, with a net worth of over $500 million (although some report his net worth closer to $1 Billion). Johnson's ownership of Starbucks locations was a testament to his business acumen and his commitment to investing in urban communities.

10. Dunkin', Jimmy John's, Happy's Irish Pub and Walk Ons Bistreaux & Bar

Drew Brees, the NFL superstar and New Orleans Saints quarterback has some serious business chops off the field. He's a partial owner of Dunkin’, Jimmy John's, Happy’s Irish Pub and Walk Ons Bistreaux & Bar. Brees has a minority stake in the famous coffee and Jimmy John’s sandwich chains.