A Houston Billionaire Restaurateur Behind Morton’s and Bubba Gump Shrimp Might Serve in President-Elect Donald Trump’s Administration | Eater Houston
"This Louisiana casino is overseen by Tilman Fertitta, the Houston-based restaurateur who owns Landry's, Inc.; CBS News reports that sources with knowledge say he is set to be named the U.S. Ambassador to Italy. He owns more than 600 properties nationwide and oversees various casinos and restaurants, and a representative for his team said they are not commenting on the matter. Questions remain about his qualifications to serve as ambassador, particularly since he has never held public office; his Italian connections — his family is of Sicilian descent and he owns an Italian restaurant now located in Houston's Harlow District — are cited in that context. Politically, he has given $420,000 to PACs backing Donald Trump and hosted numerous 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
