1851

There are a few things you might not know about rapper Rick Ross: First, that his full name is William Leonard Roberts II; and second, that his business portfolio extends to the world of franchising with brands such as Wingstop and Checkers and Rally’s.&nbsp;While Ross’ love for the popular chicken chain is well-documented in his discography, what’s less documented is that he’s since put (and made) his money where his mouth is—Ross made about $7 million from his Wingstop franchises in 2014, <a href="https://thesource.com/2016/07/04/rick-ross-makes-big-moves-to-expand-his-franchise/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=famous-franchisee-the-multitalented-rick-ross-2712026" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">according to a 2016 report in The Source</a>. Ross’ professed love for the product in which he’s invested is a key aspect to his success, as the rapper has lauded Wingstop on social media—and with <a href="https://twitter.com/RickRoss?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=famous-franchisee-the-multitalented-rick-ross-2712026" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">more than 4.5 million followers on Twitter</a>, he’s in a strong position to amplify and promote the brand.&nbsp;&nbsp;“I just love Wingstop,” <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/zackomalleygreenburg/2014/09/23/rick-ross-chicken-boss-how-a-rapper-got-his-wingstop/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=famous-franchisee-the-multitalented-rick-ross-2712026#2e42267412f8" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Ross told Forbes in a 2014 interview from one of his restaurants</a>. “As you can see, the energy in here is always fun. It’s always youthful. Not only that, you know they got my favorite lemon pepper wings in the world, so it’s just a natural attraction.”&nbsp;It’s clear that Ross is an ideal ambassador for the brand. The rapper’s success as a Wingstop franchisee, however, has been shadowed by one unfortunate incident: January 2018, <a href="https://wreg.com/2018/01/10/mpd-aspiring-rapper-robbed-wingstop-to-get-owner-rick-rosss-attention/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=famous-franchisee-the-multitalented-rick-ross-2712026" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">an aspiring rapper allegedly robbed a Memphis Wingstop</a> in the hopes it would get him attention from the rapper himself. Still, the rapper’s experience with Wingstop has been positive, and Ross continues to be an important member of the brand, not least because of the visibility that he brings to the company.“He has a strong connection with our core consumer, who is young, millennial, and follows Rick Ross and artists like him,” Wingstop CEO Charlie Morrison said of Ross in a <a href="https://apnews.com/1875179c2c4a4038b5daae058102be45/Wingstop-CEO-discusses-Rick-Ross,-boneless-vs.-bone-in-wings?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=famous-franchisee-the-multitalented-rick-ross-2712026" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">March 2018 interview with the Associated Press</a>. “He’s always very engaging and very supportive of the brand. He might be at a boxing match or one of his concerts or somewhere else and he almost <a href="https://www.advantagemrktg.com/advantage/work/wingstop/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=famous-franchisee-the-multitalented-rick-ross-2712026" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">always has a Wingstop cup in his hand</a>. It keeps us relevant.”Ross expanded his franchise portfolio in 2017 with the purchase of the Checkers location he frequented in his youth in Carol City, Florida.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/rick-ross-buys-checkers-restaurant-franchise-in-carol-city-florida-news.27345.html?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=famous-franchisee-the-multitalented-rick-ross-2712026" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">In a 2017 video interview with Uproxx</a>, Ross explained his decision to purchase the existing location due to the impact the city in the greater Miami area had on his upbringing and future success.&nbsp;“What made me come back and buy Checkers, I had a lot of reasons,” Ross said. “Providing jobs, investing back into the community, staying in touch with where you’re from. We can come back and say that a piece of this is ours. Carol City, the city of Miami, is going to be proud.”

Famous Franchisee: The Multitalented Rick Ross

1851 Franchise

The famous rapper, born William Leonard Roberts II, brings creative energy, charisma, and a keen marketing instinct to his multi-brand portfolio that includes Wingstop and Checkers and Rally’s.

famous-franchisee-the-multitalented-rick-ross

Pet Wants

Why Fresh, Healthy Food Matters for Your Pet's Long-Term Health

fresh-pet-food-unleashing-the-power-of-healthy-nutrition-for-your-furry-family

Caring Transitions

Caring Transitions Targets Fresno, California, for Franchise Growth

caring-transitions-targets-fresno-california-for-franchise-growth

Strategic Franchising

Work-Life Balance as a Franchise Owner: Is It Possible?

work-life-balance-as-a-franchise-owner-is-it-possible

The Top 10 Questions To Ask Before Buying a Franchise

top-10-questions-to-ask-before-buying-a-franchise

Caring Transitions Targets Memphis, Tennessee, for Franchise Growth

caring-transitions-targets-memphis-tennessee-for-franchise-growth

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Roof Scientist Launches Franchise Opportunity, Revolutionizing Roof Preservation with Innovative Technology

roof-scientist-launches-franchise-opportunity-revolutionizing-roof-preservation-with-innovative-technology

Restaurant Business: How McDonald's Is Restructuring To Compete With Specialized Chains

restaurant-business-how-mcdonalds-is-restructuring-to-compete-with-specialized-chains

Design with hundred dollar bill and orange "recession" banner across the middle

ABC News: Recession Risks Are Rising, Economists Say. Here’s What to Know.

recession-risks-impact-economy-franchise-world

NRA: Restaurants Focus On Enhancing In-Store Experiences To Attract Diners in 2025

nra-restaurants-focus-on-enhancing-in-store-experiences-to-attract-diners-in-2025

The Joint Chiropractic - Dr. Anthony Tran - IFA Franchisee of the Year - 1851 Franchise

The Joint Chiropractic’s Dr. Anthony Tran Named Franchisee of the Year by the IFA

joint-chiropractic-dr-anthony-tran-ifa

Florida Franchisee Reflects on Success and Growth with Sylvan Learning

florida-franchisee-reflects-on-success-and-growth-with-sylvan-learning

Domonique Downing - Big Frog Franchise - Fayetteville, GA - 1851 Franchise

Coca-Cola Scientist Finds Path to Autonomy with Big Frog Franchise in Fayetteville, Georgia

big-frog-franchise-fayetteville-georgia

Franchisee spotlight image with Randy and Sandy Craft, Children's Lighthouse logo on blue background

The Crafts’ Successful Journey from New Parents to Children’s Lighthouse Franchisees

the-crafts-successful-journey-from-new-parents-to-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees

Franchisee spotlight featuring Ian and Dick Rydholm with gradient blue background and Sylvan logo

Ian and Dick Rydholm Celebrate 30 Years of Transforming Lives Through Sylvan Learning in El Paso, Texas

ian-and-dick-rydholm-celebrate-30-years-of-transforming-lives-through-sylvan

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025

paris-baguette-ranks-among-top-franchises-on-entrepreneurs-franchise-500-for-2025

Famous Franchisee: The Multitalented Rick Ross

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS