Generally, when you think of athletes, you only think of the sports they play. However, many invest in brands and deals to diversify their financial portfolio. For that reason alone, many athletes own franchises in the food industry. We have sports stars with their own restaurants, but today we are here to discuss franchise owners. You may recognize a few faces as they are constantly associated with these companies. Additionally, you may be unaware that these athletes are so invested in the food industry.
Peyton Manning: Papa Johns
Peyton Manning is one of the most recognizable faces for one of America’s top pizza chains. Manning was once a spokesperson for Papa John’s and would go on to star in many commercials for the company. He owned 31 Denver-area locations from 2012 to 2018. He said about his business venture: “It’s a smart investment now and will be long after I’m done playing football.” As of 2018, Manning cut ties with the company for reasons unknown, but the speculated reasons come from the controversy of Papa John’s founder John Schnatter.
Dree Brews: Jimmy Johns and Dunkin’
Brees retired as the New Orleans Saints quarterback in 2021. However, the football star has made significant investments in franchises over the years. Making a big name for himself, Brees has a wide-ranging portfolio of franchises that he has invested in. Those franchises include Jimmy John’s, Dunkin’, Five Guys, and many others. He has a total of nine Jimmy John’s restaurants and 69 units of Dunkin’. More recently, Brees has invested in 85 Everbowl locations and is co-owner and partner of Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux.
Vernon Davis & Mohamed Sanu: Jamba Juice
Both players have invested in the company Jamba Juice, and each has several locations. Vernon Davis, former Washington Redskins tight end, owns five locations in Northern California and another in Northern Virginia with Mohamed Sanu. The latter also partnered with Davis to be a franchisee for Jamba Juice. Both have expressed the importance and value of franchising a business.
Davis had this to say about Jamba Juice: “Jamba Juice is an iconic brand that, like me, cares about helping others live a healthier, higher quality life.” Further, “I honestly couldn’t be more excited about partnering with Mohamed, expanding my relationship with Jamba Juice and, of course, bringing more of the fresh fruit and vegetable goodness of Jamba to my hometown.”
Sanu added, “Over the past decade or so, pro athletes have become a rising presence in the franchise world. We’re executors who are comfortable working within the confines of an established system and executing a playbook. Like an athlete, a franchisee has to come in and execute the game plan.”
Kris Brown: Dunkin’
Brown is a retired NFL player who was a member of the Dallas Cowboys. He decided to switch to franchising, particularly with Dunkin’. He has territorial rights for markets in Omaha and Kansas City. Additionally, Brown is currently the owner and CEO of the Berlin Group. It is a franchisee group that owns 12 Dunkin’ locations throughout the Midwest and is set to have 21 locations total in the future..
In an interview with Insider, Brown said, “Going from sports to franchising was a natural transition.” He added, “There are a lot of qualities you must have to succeed as an athlete. You have to know how to work and work hard, but running a franchise is really about following the operational manual, which tells you, ‘This is how to run the business.’”
Cory Stillman & Don Davey: Firehouse Subs
Cory Stillman was a former NHL Carolina Hurricanes player who has invested in owning Firehouse Subs. His first location opened in 2016 in Whitby, Ontario. Former Jacksonville Jaguars star Don Davey also invested in Firehouse Subs, but much earlier than Stillman. Davey would open his first location in 2002. Stillman currently owns three locations, all in the Ontario area. Davey would grow to have 10 more sites since. At the moment, Davey owns 12 locations in Central Florida and three in Wisconsin and — with his team — manages an area that includes 14 independent franchises all over Wisconsin.
Final Thoughts
Investing in franchises is the best financial move for many athletes. They tend to lean toward those that hold value to them and their family. Athletes who have franchised restaurants seem happy and decide this was the best move. Many more athletes should consider making this business move as a positive investment.