A Houston Billionaire Restaurateur Behind Morton’s and Bubba Gump Shrimp Might Serve in President-Elect Donald Trump’s Administration | Eater Houston

"An Italian restaurant now located in Houston's Harlow District that is owned by Tilman Fertitta; CBS News reports that sources say he is set to be named U.S. Ambassador to Italy, and his representatives are not commenting. The venue is cited as part of Fertitta's Italian connections (his family is of Sicilian descent) amid questions about his qualifications to serve as ambassador given he has never held public office. Fertitta owns more than 600 properties nationwide and oversees numerous casinos and restaurant brands, and he has given $420,000 to PACs backing Donald Trump and hosted many fundraisers; Trump called him "a friend of mine for a long time," and Fertitta called Trump "a tough landlord" while praising his support for businesses during the pandemic." - Brittany Britto Garley