More than a decade after his brief, high-profile marriage to Kim Kardashian, former NBA player Kris Humphries has embarked on a significant career pivot, now operating multiple Dave’s Hot Chicken restaurants in his home state of Minnesota. The venture marks a return to his roots for Humphries, who has embraced entrepreneurship away from the spotlight that once surrounded his personal life.
From Basketball to Business: A New Chapter
Humphries, 41, and his family became franchisees for Dave’s Hot Chicken in 2022, with plans to open a total of 18 locations across Minnesota. This ambitious expansion signals a strong belief in the fast-casual chicken concept and a commitment to building a substantial business. The restaurants, characterized by their vibrant graffiti art and distinctive red metal seating, offer a stark contrast to the glitz and glamour often associated with his former in-laws.
Humphries had long expressed a desire to return to Minnesota, his home state. “Super excited to bring @daveshotchicken to Minnesota with my family. This is the best chicken ever! Get ready Minnesota,” he announced on social media around the time of their initial launch. His family’s strategic choice of locations, particularly in Minneapolis’s North Loop, highlights a focus on areas with a blend of historic charm and modern appeal, attracting both local residents and visitors.
Strategic Location and Community Engagement
Alex Humphries, Kris’s cousin, noted the appeal of the North Loop’s unique atmosphere, stating, “The mix of historic preservation and modern innovation in the North Loop creates a unique atmosphere that we believe is ideal for Dave’s Hot Chicken.” He further elaborated on the area’s advantages, adding, “Coupled with its diverse demographics and proximity to downtown Minneapolis, the North Loop provides a strong trade area that attracts both residents and visitors. We look forward to contributing to this community.” This approach underscores a desire to integrate the business into the local fabric.
Publicizing the Venture: A Social Media Presence
Similar to how the Kardashian family leverages social media to promote their various brands, Humphries has also adopted an active online presence to publicize his new business. His Instagram account has featured numerous videos from food influencers visiting his establishments and clips of himself enjoying the menu. In one post, Humphries, seen with a spread of food, captioned it, “It’s Go Time Baby!” This engagement aims to build brand awareness and connect with potential customers.
Reflections on a Short-Lived Marriage
The 72-day marriage to Kim Kardashian in 2011 remains a significant point of public memory. While the wedding was a lavish, televised event, the union was reportedly strained by fundamental differences, particularly regarding their future living arrangements. On episodes of the reality show “Keeping Up With the Kardashians,” the couple openly discussed these conflicts.
Kardashian expressed a clear reluctance to relocate to Minnesota, stating, “I’m never moving to Minnesota. Ever.” Humphries, on the other hand, had envisioned a return to his home state after his basketball career concluded, referencing a prior agreement about dividing time between their preferred locations. The tension over their differing life plans became a central theme in their public narrative.
During one discussion, Humphries made a comment that has since become infamous, suggesting that Kardashian’s fame might wane by the time they had children. “Baby, by the time you have kids and they’re in school and all that, no one will probably care about you, let’s be honest,” he responded when Kardashian questioned how she would maintain her career in Minnesota.
Divorce and Denials
The divorce proceedings were lengthy, not finalized until October 2013, by which time Kardashian had already begun a relationship with Kanye West. Despite the short duration of the marriage, it fueled speculation that it might have been a publicity stunt for their reality series, a claim that the family consistently denied.
Beyond Dave’s Hot Chicken: A Broader Franchise Portfolio
Humphries’ foray into the restaurant industry is not limited to Dave’s Hot Chicken. His family also owns franchises for other popular chains, including Crisp & Green and Five Guys, in Minnesota. This diversified portfolio demonstrates a broader entrepreneurial strategy and a commitment to the franchise model.
Reflecting on his public persona and past, Humphries has previously expressed a desire to be seen beyond his brief marriage and NBA career. In 2019, he stated, “At the end of the day, I’m just a guy from Minnesota who loves the game of basketball. I never wanted to be that guy.” His current business endeavors represent a deliberate effort to forge a new identity centered on entrepreneurship and his connection to his home state.
Conclusion: A New Identity in Business
Kris Humphries’ transition from professional athlete to a multi-unit restaurant franchisee signifies a significant evolution in his career. By focusing on his family’s business ventures in Minnesota, he is carving out a new path, demonstrating a keen business acumen and a commitment to building a lasting enterprise far removed from the intense scrutiny of his past.
