How Did Bubba Gump Shrimp Start? The Story Behind the Iconic Seafood Chain

If you’ve ever enjoyed a meal at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., you might have wondered how this unique seafood restaurant came to be. The story of Bubba Gump Shrimp is as heartwarming and memorable as the movie that inspired it: Forrest Gump. From a fictional shrimping business dreamed up in a Hollywood film to a beloved global restaurant chain, Bubba Gump Shrimp’s origin is a fascinating journey of creativity, entrepreneurship, and a little bit of movie magic.

From Screen to Seafood: The Birth of Bubba Gump Shrimp

The Bubba Gump Shrimp Company traces its roots back to the 1994 blockbuster film Forrest Gump. In the movie, Forrest Gump’s best friend, Benjamin Buford “Bubba” Blue, passionately dreams of starting a shrimping business. Tragically, Bubba dies in the Vietnam War, but Forrest honors his friend’s wish by launching the shrimp company named after him. This touching storyline captured the hearts of audiences worldwide and planted the seed for a real-life business.

Turning Fiction into Reality: The Early Days

The transition from a fictional company to a real one began in 1995 when entrepreneur Anthony Zolezzi purchased the rights to the name “Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.” from Paramount Pictures, the studio behind Forrest Gump. Zolezzi aimed to revive his struggling seafood business, Meridian Products, by leveraging the recognizable and beloved name. Initially, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. sold packaged shrimp products in supermarkets across the United States and internationally.

Soon after, a friend in the restaurant industry suggested using the Bubba Gump name for a dining establishment. Zolezzi teamed up with Paramount and Rusty Pelican Restaurants to open the first Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. restaurant in 1996 on Cannery Row in Monterey, California. This location was the first casual dining restaurant based entirely on a motion picture property, making it a unique concept at the time.

The Restaurant Experience: More Than Just Seafood

The restaurant quickly became a hit, thanks to its fun atmosphere and strong connection to the movie. The décor is filled with memorabilia from Forrest Gump, creating an immersive experience for fans. The menu features a variety of shrimp dishes-like coconut shrimp, shrimp scampi, and fried shrimp-alongside Southern and Cajun-inspired comfort foods, reflecting the Alabama roots of Forrest and Bubba.

Guests can enjoy playful touches such as movie trivia at their tables and signaling servers with “Stop, Forrest, Stop” signs, adding to the interactive dining experience. The restaurant’s mascot, a shrimp named Shrimp Louie, further enhances the friendly, casual vibe.

Growth and Expansion: From Monterey to the World

Following the success of the original location, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. expanded rapidly. New restaurants opened across California and eventually internationally, with locations in Mexico, Japan, China, Hong Kong, and Canada. By 2025, the chain operates 31 restaurants worldwide, serving millions of guests annually.

In 2010, the franchise was acquired by Landry’s, Inc., a major restaurant operator, which moved the company’s headquarters from Hollywood, California, to Houston, Texas. This acquisition helped Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. continue its growth and maintain its status as a beloved seafood brand.

Hollywood Connections Beyond Forrest Gump

Interestingly, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. has another Hollywood connection. Actor Chris Pratt, famous for roles in Guardians of the Galaxy and Parks and Recreation, was discovered while working as a waiter at a Bubba Gump location. This adds another layer to the restaurant’s unique story, blending entertainment and dining in unexpected ways.

Why Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Works

The success of Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. lies in its perfect blend of nostalgia, quality food, and engaging atmosphere. It taps into the emotional connection fans have with Forrest Gump while offering delicious, scratch-made Southern-style seafood dishes. The brand’s ability to create a memorable dining experience rooted in a beloved story has helped it stand out in the crowded casual dining market.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. started as a heartfelt tribute in a movie and grew into a thriving restaurant chain loved worldwide. Its journey from Hollywood fiction to real-world success is a testament to the power of storytelling and smart entrepreneurship. Whether you’re a fan of the film or just love great shrimp, Bubba Gump offers a dining experience that’s truly one of a kind.