Bubba Gump the Restaurant vs. the Movie Forrest Gump: Which Came First?

The movie Forrest Gump, released on July 6, 1994, has become an iconic piece of American cinema. However, the restaurant chain Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, which also bears the iconic name, was established almost two years later in 1996. This raises the question: which came first—the movie or the restaurant?

The Historical Timeline

The movie Forrest Gump was made first and inspired the creation of the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. There is no doubt that the restaurant was a clever marketing and branding move by the filmmakers. Here’s a brief breakdown of the timeline:

1994 - Forrest Gump is released on July 6, creating a cinematic sensation. 1996 - The first Bubba Gump Shrimp Company restaurant opens in Monterey, California, a few years after the movie’s release.

The Inspiration Behind Bubba Gump Shrimp Company

The Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, with a name echoing that of Bubba Blue from the movie, was created to capitalize on the enduring popularity of the film. Viacom Consumer Products, which is owned by Paramount Pictures—the distributor of Forrest Gump, decided to open this chain of seafood restaurants to honor Bubba Blue’s passion for shrimp, a central element in the movie.

There are now 23 Bubba Gump Shrimp Company restaurants across the United States, with a significant number located in coastal states like California and Florida, reflecting the original inspiration of fresh seafood.

Design and Decor of Bubba Gump Shrimp Company

The design of each Bubba Gump Shrimp Company restaurant pays homage to the movie's iconic scenes. Decorative elements found in the restaurants include:

Reproductions of movie costumes and shoes. Stage photos and storyboards from the film. Quotes from the movie written on the walls and tables, such as “RUN FORREST RUN!!!” and “Mama always said, ‘Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re gonna get.’”

The civilian furniture and overall design of the restaurant combine American optimism with the rustic charm of the Mississippi Delta, the fictional setting of the movie.

Conclusion

While Forrest Gump certainly influenced the creation of the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, it is clear that the movie came first. As the restaurant chain expanded, it became a tangible representation of the beloved characters and storylines from the film. The success of both the movie and the restaurant highlights the power of cinematic storytelling and how it can inspire businesses and popular culture for decades to come.