Over a decade after his brief, high-profile marriage to Kim Kardashian, former NBA player Kris Humphries has embarked on a new career path, establishing himself as a successful franchisee of Dave’s Hot Chicken in his home state of Minnesota. The pivot marks a significant departure from the world of celebrity and professional sports, finding Humphries deeply involved in the fast-casual dining industry.
From NBA Courts to Restaurant Empire
Kris Humphries, who played for several NBA teams during his career, is now a key figure in bringing the popular Dave’s Hot Chicken chain to Minnesota. Alongside his family, Humphries became a franchisee in 2022, with ambitious plans to open a total of 18 locations across the state. This venture represents a substantial commitment to the food service industry, moving him far from the glare of Hollywood and the demands of professional basketball.
The restaurants, characterized by their vibrant, graffiti-art decor and distinctive red seating, offer a stark contrast to the opulent lifestyle often associated with the Kardashian family. However, for Humphries, returning to his roots in Minnesota was always a long-term aspiration. He has actively promoted the new venture on social media, sharing his enthusiasm for the brand and its product.
‘Super excited to bring @daveshotchicken to Minnesota with my family. This is the best chicken ever! Get ready Minnesota,’ Humphries announced at the time of their initial expansion. His Instagram feed has since featured numerous collaborations with food influencers and personal endorsements of the spicy chicken offerings.
A Glimpse into Past Marital Discord
Humphries’ life post-Kardashian offers a stark contrast to the circumstances of their highly publicized, albeit short-lived, marriage. The couple, who wed in a lavish televised ceremony, were married for just 72 days before Kardashian filed for divorce in October 2011. The union, which concluded with divorce finalization in October 2013, was fraught with public speculation and private disagreements.
A significant point of contention during their marriage, as depicted on the reality television series ‘Keeping Up With the Kardashians,’ was their differing visions for their future living situation. Humphries expressed a desire to return to his home state of Minnesota, while Kardashian was committed to pursuing her burgeoning career in Los Angeles. This fundamental difference in priorities was a recurring theme in their interactions.
‘I’m never moving to Minnesota. Ever,’ Kardashian stated during an episode of ‘Kourtney and Kim Take New York,’ highlighting the chasm between their desires. Humphries, in turn, recalled conversations about a potential compromise, where they would divide their time between locations.
The tension surrounding their differing life goals culminated in a now-infamous exchange where Humphries questioned Kardashian’s long-term career prospects. ‘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 remarked, a comment that underscored the pressures and insecurities stemming from their disparate career paths and personal ambitions.
Diversifying Business Ventures
The Dave’s Hot Chicken franchise is not Kris Humphries’ only foray into business ownership. The Humphries family also holds ownership stakes in other successful franchise operations, including Crisp & Green and Five Guys restaurants, also located in Minnesota. This diversified portfolio demonstrates a strategic approach to building a business presence beyond his athletic career.
Alex Humphries, Kris’s cousin, has spoken about the strategic rationale behind their choice of location for Dave’s Hot Chicken. ‘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 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.’
While the marriage to Kim Kardashian lasted less than three months, the public’s fascination with the union persisted, fueled by rumors that it was a publicity stunt for the Kardashian’s reality show. The family consistently denied these claims. For Kris Humphries, the current chapter represents a deliberate move away from the intense scrutiny of celebrity relationships and a focus on building a tangible business legacy in his home state.
A New Chapter in Minnesota
Reflecting on his past in a 2019 interview, Humphries expressed a desire to be known for more than just his brief marriage and basketball career. ‘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,’ he said. His current entrepreneurial endeavors in Minnesota appear to be a significant step toward redefining his public identity and building a lasting career outside the spotlight.
The transition from a global celebrity marriage to operating multiple fast-food establishments highlights a significant personal and professional evolution for Kris Humphries. His focus on family, business, and his home state of Minnesota signals a deliberate choice to build a life grounded in entrepreneurial pursuits rather than the transient nature of fame.
