CNBC’s primetime series “Billion Dollar Buyer” and Houston billionaire Tilman Fertitta are searching for entrepreneurs and small businesses in the Greater Houston area to bring their unique product or service to the George R. Brown Convention Center Thursday, March 9th from 10am-6pm CT for an open casting call and a chance to be featured on CNBC’s “Billion Dollar Buyer.” If these local small businesses have what it takes, they could potentially strike a deal with one of America’s most successful businessmen.
“Houston is my hometown and I want to help those in our community turn their small business into big business,” said Fertitta. “If you think you’ve got what it takes to earn my business, we want to hear from you and possibly feature your product on the show.”
Fertitta is scouting the region for the most innovative new products local entrepreneurs have to offer – everything from food and drink for his restaurants and casinos, to furniture and lighting for his hotels. Those interested in bidding for Fertitta’s business who have a product or service that applies to the restaurant, retail, hospitality and gaming industry, will have the opportunity to present to “Billion Dollar Buyer” producers and top buyers from Landry’s. For more information or to apply online, visit billiondollarbuyercasting.com.
Since the show’s inception in March 2016, Fertitta has impacted Houston’s own Bravado Spice, serving the company’s artisan hot sauces at all 28 Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. locations nationwide. Another Texan company received the deal of a lifetime when Fertitta made a large investment in Austin’s own Liber & Co., now serving its cocktail syrups in select cocktails at 63 Saltgrass Steak House restaurants and 39 Claim Jumper restaurants nationwide. And Cameron, Texas-based beef supplier 44 Farms received the largest deal in the show’s history with a $2 million purchase in Season Two.
In each hour-long episode, Fertitta spends time with two small businesses, samples their goods, gets to know their owners, and assesses their compatibility with Landry’s, Inc. He points out flaws in their product and operations, shares his expertise, and pushes for improvements. In the end, he decides whether to place a transformative purchase order with one of the companies, both, or neither.
Fertitta oversees more than 500 properties and over 50 leading restaurant, hotel, and entertainment brands, ranging from high-end properties like Mastro’s and Morton’s The Steakhouse, to such mainstream destinations as Rainforest Cafe, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Saltgrass Steak House, and five Golden Nugget Casinos.