Tilman Fertitta is a billionaire American businessman, TV personality, and U.S. diplomat currently serving as the Ambassador to Italy and San Marino (since May 2025). He’s best known as the sole owner of Fertitta Entertainment, which runs the hospitality giant Landry’s Inc., Golden Nugget Casinos, and the NBA team Houston Rockets.
Often dubbed the “World’s Richest Restaurateur,” Fertitta has built an empire through savvy acquisitions, media ventures, and a direct, aggressive business style. As of 2025, Forbes estimates his net worth at $11.3 billion.
Tilman Fertitta Wiki/Bio
| Key Details | Information |
| Full Name | Tilman Joseph Fertitta |
| Date of Birth | June 25, 1957 |
| Age | 68 years (as of 2025) |
| Profession | Businessman, Diplomat, TV Personality |
| Hometown | Galveston, Texas, USA |
| Current Residence | Houston, Texas, USA |
| Nationality | American (Sicilian descent) |
| @tilmanfertitta | |
| @tilmanjfertitta |
Physical Details
| Attribute | Information |
| Height | 5’9”–5’10” (approx.) |
| Weight | ~75 kg (165 lbs) |
| Hair Color | Dark brown (graying) |
Early Life
Tilman Fertitta was born in Galveston, Texas, on June 25, 1957. He grew up in a Sicilian-American household with strong entrepreneurial roots—his father owned a seafood restaurant where Fertitta worked as a teen. By high school, he was already selling health products and exploring business ideas. He attended Texas Tech University and the University of Houston but left before graduating to pursue his ventures full-time.
Education
| Level | Details |
| School | Westchester Academy for International Studies |
| College | Texas Tech University; University of Houston |
| Degree | No formal degree (studied business, hospitality) |
Family & Personal Life
| Detail | Info |
| Father | Vic Fertitta (restaurateur) |
| Mother | Joanne Fertitta |
| Spouse | Paige Fertitta (m. 1991) |
| Children | Michael, Patrick, Blayne, Blake |
| Cousins | Frank & Lorenzo Fertitta (casino/UFC) |
Fertitta married Houston attorney Paige Fertitta in 1991, and they have four children. The family is based in Houston but also owns homes in Galveston, Las Vegas, New York, and Colorado.
Career Highlights
Fertitta’s business empire began with Landry’s Seafood in the 1980s. Over time, he expanded into restaurants, casinos, resorts, and sports. In 2017, he purchased the Houston Rockets for a then-record $2.2 billion. He’s also known for starring in CNBC’s Billion Dollar Buyer and authoring Shut Up and Listen! (2019).
| Milestone | Year/Details |
| Joined Landry’s Seafood | 1980 (partner), full owner by 1988 |
| Landry’s Inc. IPO | 1993 (privatized again in 2010 for $1.4B) |
| Acquired Golden Nugget | 2005 |
| Bought Houston Rockets | 2017 ($2.2 billion) |
| Hosted TV Show | Billion Dollar Buyer (2016–2017) |
| Published Book | Shut Up and Listen! (2019) |
| Became U.S. Ambassador | May 2025 (Italy and San Marino) |
| Lead Shareholder, Wynn | 2025 (12.3% stake) |
Net Worth
| Aspect | Details |
| Estimated Net Worth | $11.3 billion (2025, per Forbes) |
| Primary Income Sources | Landry’s Inc., Golden Nugget, Rockets, Wynn Resorts |
| Major Assets | Real estate in 5 states, 2 Gulfstream jets, 2 superyachts, Post Oak Hotel |
Fertitta’s financial portfolio also includes 13.2M DraftKings shares (from Golden Nugget Online Gaming sale) and a 77-meter Feadship yacht named Boardwalk.
Controversies
- COVID Layoffs (2020): Faced criticism for furloughing 40,000 Landry’s workers, though many were rehired.
- Sheffield Wednesday Concerns: Fans have voiced worry about his interest in the financially struggling team.
- Political Ties: Fertitta’s ambassador appointment was backed by Donald Trump, sparking debate due to political donations and affiliations.