4 new athlete startups in the food world. What Nadal, Khabib and Tyson are doing

World stars at the height of their popularity usually try to make the most of it: some star in commercials, others try their hand at business. Culinary startups are not uncommon. In the modern world, this is one of the most popular types of business. For celebrities, it is especially lucrative – they can make revenue on their name because they have a certain credibility.

Rafael Nadal and Roland Garros

The legendary Spanish tennis player, who has won 21 times at Grand Slam tournaments, decided to open his own restaurant. This happened in February 2022 on the grounds of Nadal’s academy in his hometown of Manacor. The restaurant is named Roland Garros in honor of the French Open tennis championship, the champion of which Rafael became 13 times.

The institution has a very cozy interior, on the walls – historical photos of the winners of the championship with trophies, including Rafael himself. Despite the famous owner, the place boasts low price tags – no more than € 20 per dish. The restaurant positions its menu as healthy and balanced.

Lionel Messi and Hard Rock Café

The cooperation of the restaurant chain with the Argentine star began in August 2021. Messi became an ambassador for the Hard Rock International brand.

In March 2022, their relationship reached a new level. As part of the LIVE GREATNESS campaign, the cafe decided to release a new Messi Burger created by the soccer player himself. The steak burger is assembled from a double patty of beef, chorizo, provolone cheese, smoked sauce, caramelized onions, fresh vegetables and unusual seasonings.

Lionel Messi

Khabib Nurmagomedov and M-eat by Khabib

Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov opened his first fast food restaurant in the Moscow City business center.

In the fast food outlet of the famous fighter you can try Brad M-eat with horse meat.

Brad M-eat is Khabib’s patented dish consisting of a toasted bun filled with meat and toppings of choice.

Nurmagomedov worked on the idea and opening the first outlet for just under a year, and the chain launched in January 2022. But Khabib is not going to stop there, by 2024 the franchise should expand to 150 restaurants around the world. The fighter himself said that he plans to open his own factory in Russia, where the ingredients for his network will be produced.

Mike Tyson and ear-shaped marmalade

Iron Mike launched a marmalade called Mike Bites. The marmalade is shaped like that famous bitten off ear and references the iconic 1997 boxing fight between Tyson and Evander Holyfield. During the fight, Mike couldn’t help himself and bit off a piece of Holyfield’s ear in a fit of anger.

Subsequently, Tyson was disqualified for this incident, but when asked about the motive of this action, Mike said that he was provoked by the dirty actions of his opponent, and he is not sure that he would not do the same in a similar situation again. Despite the scandalous background, this is a great marketing move, an attempt to commercialize a high-profile scandal in the boxer’s biography.

“These ears are really tasty!”

Mike Tyson on his social media accounts

Tyson first spoke publicly about the release of such a product back in 2019 on the Hotboxin’ With Mike Tyson podcast.

Whether Sharapova’s chewy candies are produced now, it is unknown: on the website the purchase is not available, and the last mentions of the product on social networks appeared in October 2021. Maria herself has not made any statements.

Wayne Gretzky and the family winery

In addition to records on the ice, the former Canadian hockey player has always sought to develop his own business – restaurant and wine business. Today, the athlete has his own winery. Wayne Gretzky Estate products can be purchased on the website at prices ranging from $15 to $100 per bottle.