How Many Bubba Gump Shrimp Restaurant Locations Exist Worldwide? A Look at the Growing Shrimp-Themed Franchise

With its shrimp-centered menu and decor inspired by the hit movie Forrest Gump, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. has become a unique and popular seafood restaurant franchise. But just how many Bubba Gump locations currently exist across the globe? Let’s take a closer look at how this themed restaurant concept has expanded over the years.

The Beginning at Monterey

The very first Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. opened its doors in 1996 in Monterey, California. The idea for the restaurant came from a partnership between Paramount Pictures and Rusty Pelican Restaurants. Together, they brought the fictional Bubba Gump shrimp company from Forrest Gump to life as a real seafood dining destination.

This first location launched near the famed Cannery Row fishing district and Monterey Bay, creating an apt setting. Its success as a tourist attraction led to the beginnings of a franchise.

Expanding Across America

Following the original restaurant in Monterey, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co began steadily growing through franchising deals across the United States Some of the first major locations included

• Anaheim, CA at Downtown Disney – Opened in 1998
• Santa Monica, CA on the pier – Opened in 2002
• Las Vegas, NV on the Strip – Opened in 2003
• New York, NY in Times Square – Opened in 2005

Throughout the 2000s and 2010s Bubba Gump continued opening new franchises across tourist hotspots and major cities like

• Myrtle Beach, SC
• Chicago, IL
• San Antonio, TX
• Washington, D.C.
• Seattle, WA

Today, there are 22 Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. restaurant locations spread across 12 U.S. states. Popular sites include pier-side restaurants in California and Florida, as well as mall locations in prime tourist destinations.

Going International

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. began its international expansion in 2002 by opening a location in Osaka, Japan. This first Asian outpost was followed by restaurants in Hong Kong and Tokyo.

The company opened its first restaurant in Mexico in 2007, which was followed by locations in Cancun and Puerto Vallarta.

In 2012, Bubba Gump launched its first Canadian restaurant in Niagara Falls, Ontario. And in 2016, the company opened its first European site in London, England, bringing shrimp and movie memorabilia to the UK.

Additional overseas growth includes restaurants in:

• Indonesia
• China
• The Philippines
• Qatar
• The United Arab Emirates

Today there are 13 Bubba Gump restaurants located outside the United States. The company continues pursuing worldwide franchise opportunities.

The Growth Continues

In 2010, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. was acquired by Landry’s Inc., putting it under the same corporate umbrella as restaurant chains like Rainforest Cafe and Claim Jumper. This provided more resources for growth.

Some notable Bubba Gump openings in recent years include:

• Mall of America in Minnesota – Opened in 2016
• Pier 39 in San Francisco – Opened in 2018
• Hollywood Universal CityWalk – Opened 2021

Exciting future openings are planned, like a 2023 launch in Egypt. There are also unconfirmed reports of potential Bubba Gump sites coming soon to Kuwait and Israel.

After over 25 years in business, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. has grown from a single restaurant to an international franchise totaling 35 locations and counting.

How Many Bubba Gump Locations Exist Worldwide?

As of October 2022, the total number of Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. restaurant locations open worldwide is 35.

This includes:

• 22 locations in the United States
• 4 locations in Mexico
• 3 locations in Japan
• 1 location each in:
  • United Kingdom
  • Indonesia
  • Canada
  • China
  • Hong Kong
  • Qatar

So while Bubba Gump originated as an American franchise, it now has nearly one-third of its locations overseas as the brand continues to expand globally.

The Locations State by State

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.’s 22 restaurants in the United States are concentrated along the coasts and tourist destinations. Here is a breakdown of how many Bubba Gump locations exist in each state:

• California – 7 locations
• Florida – 4 locations
• Nevada – 2 locations
• Texas – 2 locations
• Arizona – 1 location
• Colorado – 1 location
• Georgia – 1 location
• Hawaii – 1 location
• Illinois – 1 location
• Minnesota – 1 location
• New York – 1 location
• Tennessee – 1 location

California, where the first Bubba Gump opened, still boasts the most locations of any state. Florida, also known for its shrimping industry and tourist appeal, is second with 4 restaurants.

Several landlocked states like Colorado and Illinois have also attracted Bubba Gump locations in recent years due to large metro populations.

Why Bubba Gump Caught On

What is behind the immense popularity and growth of the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. franchise? A few key factors:

Unique Theme – The Forrest Gump movie tie-in creates a one-of-a-kind experience. Film nostalgia and memorabilia draws in customers.

Coastal Vibe – Locations on piers, in beach towns, or with nautical decor channel a fun, casual seafood shack atmosphere.

Seafood Focus – Shrimp is a universally popular menu item. Bubba Gump offers shrimp dishes the whole family enjoys.

Consistent Experience – Customers know what to expect from each location in terms of food, service and ambiance.

Prime Real Estate – Locations in heavy tourist zones, malls, and entertainment centers means constant customer traffic.

Over 25 years, Bubba Gump has turned a fictional shrimp restaurant into an internationally beloved brand. With new locations still rolling out annually, it’s clear this seafood franchise has found an enduring recipe for success. Forrest and Bubba would be proud!

Current Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Locations

Here is the full list of current Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. locations in the United States and across the globe:

United States

• Anaheim, CA
• Hollywood, CA
• Long Beach, CA
• Monterey, CA
• San Francisco, CA
• Santa Monica, CA
• Denver, CO
• Daytona Beach, FL
• Destin, FL
• Ft. Lauderdale, FL
• Orlando, FL
• Bloomington, MN
• Biloxi, MS
• Las Vegas, NV
• Laughlin, NV
• New York, NY
• Gatlinburg, TN
• Galveston, TX
• Kemah, TX
• San Antonio, TX

International

• Beijing, China
• Cancun, Mexico
• Hong Kong, China
• Bali, Indonesia
• Osaka, Japan
• Tokyo, Japan
• Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
• Doha, Qatar
• Edmonton, Canada

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. has come a long way from its start as a single restaurant in California in 1996. Today, there are 35 Bubba Gump locations spread across 12 U.S. states and 8 other countries worldwide.

With its appealing seafood menu, movie-inspired theme, and consistent brand experience, Bubba Gump has found an addictive recipe for success. Over 25 years later, this unique shrimp franchise continues growing in both existing markets and new international destinations.

Forrest and Bubba would be proud to see their humble shrimp shack idea spawn a global restaurant sensation with 35 and counting locations worldwide. Every new Bubba Gump opening lets more fans experience the fun, food, and nostalgia of this one of a kind Forrest Gump themed franchise.