Los Angeles & Long Beach: Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

The story of Forrest Gump’s shrimping boat isn’t just a movie plot—it’s the real-life inspiration behind Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. 🎬 Movie Backstory: Forrest & Bubba’s Promise The Bond: During the Vietnam War, Forrest meets his best friend Benjamin Buford “Bubba” Blue, a fiery Louisiana native obsessed with shrimp. Bubba talks nonstop about shrimp recipes—“There’s shrimp kabobs, shrimp creole, shrimp gumbo…”—and convinces Forrest to start a shrimping business together after the war. Bubba’s Tragedy: Bubba is killed in the war, but Forrest keeps his promise. Using his war disability benefits, he buys a fishing boat named “Jenny” (after his beloved girlfriend) and sets out to fulfill their dream. From Failure to Success: At first, Forrest’s shrimping efforts go nowhere. But after Hurricane Carmen devastates other boats, his vessel is the only one left standing—and suddenly, he becomes the sole operator in the area. His business booms, turning him into a shrimping tycoon, and he even donates profits to Bubba’s family. 🦐 The Real-Life Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Origin: Created by Paramount Pictures and Rusty Pelican Restaurants, the first Bubba Gump opened in Monterey, California, in 1996—directly honoring the movie’s iconic shrimp company. Vibe: The restaurant is a full-on movie tribute, with movie quotes, character photos, Forrest’s chair, and his running shoes on display. 🏝️ Long Beach Location Details Address: 87 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802 Vibe: Located near the aquarium and port, it offers stunning harbor views—no wonder it’s a favorite among tourists! Must-Try Dishes: Fried shrimp platter, shrimp corn chowder, seafood pasta, and fish and chips. 🎥 One Sentence Wrap-Up: Forrest fulfills his promise to his fallen friend, turning a friendship and a fateful storm into a shrimping empire—cementing “Bubba Gump” as a beloved part of pop culture. #LosAngelesFood #LongBeachEats #BubbaGumpShrimpCo #MovieInspiredEats