More than a decade after his brief, high-profile marriage to Kim Kardashian, former NBA player Kris Humphries has embarked on a new career path, co-owning and operating multiple Dave’s Hot Chicken franchises in his home state of Minnesota. The pivot marks a significant departure from his previous life in professional sports and reality television, establishing him as a restaurateur in the fast-casual dining sector.
From NBA Courts to Franchise Ownership
Kris Humphries, who played in the NBA for 10 seasons, is now a franchisee for Dave’s Hot Chicken, a popular Nashville-style hot chicken chain. Alongside his family, Humphries has been actively involved in establishing and managing several locations across Minnesota. The venture began in 2022, with the family expressing enthusiasm for introducing the brand to their home state.
Humphries himself shared his excitement on social media at the time of the initial launch, posting, “Super excited to bring @daveshotchicken to Minnesota with my family. This is the best chicken ever! Get ready Minnesota.” The restaurants are characterized by their vibrant, graffiti-art-adorned interiors and distinctive red metal seating, creating a lively atmosphere that contrasts with the typical fine dining establishments.
Ambitious Expansion Plans
The Humphries family has set ambitious goals for their restaurant enterprise. Reports indicate plans to open a total of 18 Dave’s Hot Chicken locations throughout Minnesota. This expansion strategy highlights a strong belief in the brand’s potential and the family’s commitment to the franchise model.
Kris’s cousin, Alex Humphries, commented on the choice of location for one of the restaurants, noting the appeal of Minneapolis’s North Loop. “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,” Alex Humphries stated. “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.”
A Different Kind of Spotlight
While the Kardashian family often leverages social media to promote their diverse business empires, including cosmetics and fashion, Kris Humphries has also embraced digital platforms to publicize his new venture. His Instagram account frequently features content related to Dave’s Hot Chicken, including videos from food influencers and clips of himself enjoying the restaurant’s offerings.
One such post showed Humphries preparing to enjoy a meal, captioned, “It’s Go Time Baby!” This engagement on social media mirrors the promotional strategies employed by many modern businesses, adapting to the current media landscape.
Reflections on Past and Present
Humphries’ career transition away from the intense public scrutiny of professional basketball and reality television offers a glimpse into his personal aspirations. His marriage to Kim Kardashian, which lasted a mere 72 days in 2011, was a highly publicized event, culminating in a divorce that was finalized in October 2013.
The dynamics of their relationship, particularly the conflict over their future living arrangements, were documented on the reality series *Keeping Up With the Kardashians*. Kardashian expressed a strong desire to remain in Los Angeles to pursue her career, while Humphries envisioned a return to his home state of Minnesota. This fundamental disagreement was a significant point of contention, as highlighted in an episode where Kardashian stated, “I’m never moving to Minnesota. Ever.” Humphries, in turn, made a comment about Kardashian’s future career prospects, suggesting that her fame might diminish over time.
Humphries has previously spoken about his desire for a life less defined by public perception. In 2019, he remarked, “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.” This sentiment suggests a preference for a more grounded existence away from the constant glare of the spotlight.
Diversified Business Interests
The Dave’s Hot Chicken franchise is not Kris Humphries’ only foray into business ownership. The Humphries family also holds ownership stakes in other established franchise brands, including Crisp & Green and Five Guys locations in Minnesota. This diversified portfolio indicates a strategic approach to business investment and a commitment to building a substantial presence in the food and beverage industry.
The marriage to Kim Kardashian, despite its brevity, remains a notable chapter in Humphries’ public life. However, his current focus on building a successful restaurant business in Minnesota underscores his evolution beyond his past associations and into a new, self-directed professional chapter.
Conclusion
Kris Humphries’ journey from the NBA to reality television and now to the helm of a burgeoning fast-food franchise empire demonstrates a remarkable adaptability and a clear vision for his post-athletic career. His involvement with Dave’s Hot Chicken in Minnesota signifies a deliberate choice to pursue entrepreneurial endeavors closer to home, prioritizing family and a different kind of success away from the traditional entertainment industry.
