Tilman Fertitta is a hospitality mogul whose net worth rose from £1.9 billion in 2015 to a staggering £8.5billion in 2025.
The 67-year-old billionaire and owner of the NBA’s Houston Rockets is also a longtime friend of Donald Trump, who has previously referred to the both of them as “twins.” Earlier this year, Trump appointed the Republican donor as the new Ambassador to Italy.
The US president praised the restauranteur on his Truth Social platform, describing him as an “accomplished businessman” and philanthropist. Fertitta owns more than 600 properties in 36 states and in over 15 countries, employing more than 60,000 workers.
Cementing his position as a power player in Las Vegas, Fertitta has recently become the largest shareholder in the high-end hotels and casinos operator Wynn Resorts. Owning more than 10 percent of Wynn Resorts’ equity, the move put him ahead of the co-founder Elaine Wynn.
Fertitta grew up in Galveston, Texas, but has Sicilian roots. His passion for hospitality was sparked by his father, who owned a fish restaurant.
In his book, Shut Up and Listen!, Fertitta shared lessons from his career in the hospitality and entertainment industries.
He wrote: “Customer service and hospitality are everything, no matter what the business is.
“To me, the definition of hospitality is simple. It’s however you handle a customer – nothing more, nothing less – how you treat him or her, how you respond to what he or she asks for, and your ability (and willingness) to stay flexible.”
Over the years, Fertitta expanded his business empire through Fertitta Entertainment, a holding company which owns and operates restaurants, hotels, amusement parks, and aquariums.
Some of his restaurant brands include Landry’s Seafood House, Mastro’s, Morton’s The Steakhouse, or Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
The businessman also owns and operates numerous gaming and entertainment venues, including the iconic Golden Nugget Casino and Hotel brand, with multiple locations throughout the United States.
Apart from his business ventures, he starred in the 2016 CNBC reality show Billion Dollar Buyer, in which he visits different parts of America and assesses products by small businesses.
