Tilman Fertitta, the Houston-based restaurateur and owner of the NBA Houston Rockets team, could serve in Donald Trump’s administration once he’s sworn in again as president.
CBS News reports that sources with knowledge of the situation stated that Fertitta, who owns Landrys, Inc., a Texas-based hospitality group that oversees multiple hotels, restaurants, and casinos around the world, is set to be named the U.S. Ambassador of Italy. Fertitta owns more than 600 properties nationwide and oversees various casinos, including Golden Nugget Casino in Louisiana, and restaurants like Morton’s the Steakhouse, Joe’s Crab Shack, and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
A representative for Fertitta’s team stated in an email that they are not commenting on the matter at this time.
Questions remain about Fertitta’s qualifications to serve as an ambassador to Italy, particularly since he’s never served in public office. The Galveston native has some Italian connections — his family is of Sicilian descent, and he does own an Italian restaurant, La Griglia, which is now located in Houston’s Harlow District.
Fertitta has shown his support for Trump in the past, giving $420,000 to PACs backing Trump, and hosting numerous fundraisers for the president-elect. During a roundtable discussion at the White House at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, aspects of Trump and Fertitta’s relationship came to light. Trump praised Fertitta for his work as a restaurateur and in the hospitality realm, calling him “a friend of mine for a long time,” and Fertitta called Trump a “tough landlord” while also complimenting him on his work to support businesses during the pandemic.