What Bubba Gump Shrimp Company Is

Bubba Gump Shrimp Company is a casual seafood restaurant chain themed around the 1994 film Forrest Gump. You order at the counter or from a server, sit down in a dining room decorated with movie props and memorabilia, and eat seafood dishes — mostly shrimp, but also fish, chicken, and pasta. The restaurants are located in tourist areas and shopping centers across the United States, with locations also in other countries.

Unlike a fine-dining restaurant, Bubba Gump operates more like a casual chain: you pay when you order or when you finish eating, depending on the location. The menu is straightforward — fried shrimp, grilled fish, sandwiches, salads, and appetizers — with prices ranging from roughly $12 to $25 for entrees. There is no reservation system at most locations; you walk in and wait if there is a line, or you can call ahead to ask about wait times.

Key Takeaways

  • Bubba Gump is a casual seafood restaurant with a movie theme, not a fast-food chain, so you sit down and eat at a table.
  • Most locations do not take reservations, so you arrive and wait in line or call ahead to check how busy it is.
  • The menu centers on shrimp dishes but includes fish, chicken, pasta, and appetizers at moderate prices.
  • You can order at the counter or from a server depending on the location, and payment happens when you order or after you eat.
  • The restaurant is heavily decorated with props and scenes from Forrest Gump, so the experience is part entertainment and part meal.

How to Order and Pay

When you arrive, a host or hostess will seat you or put you on a wait list if the restaurant is full. At some locations, you order and pay at a counter before sitting; at others, a server comes to your table to take your order and you pay at the end. Call the specific location you plan to visit to confirm which system they use, since it varies by restaurant.

Most Bubba Gump locations accept cash and all major credit cards. Some also accept mobile payment apps like Apple Pay or Google Pay. If you are ordering at the counter, you typically pay before you receive your food. If a server is taking your order at the table, you pay after you finish eating — the server will bring a check to your table.

The menu is printed on paper or displayed on a board, and it does not change dramatically between locations, though some regional items may vary. Prices are posted on the menu, so you know the cost before you order. There are no hidden fees or automatic gratuity added to your bill, though you can tip if you choose to.

What the Menu Includes

The core of the menu is shrimp prepared different ways: fried, grilled, in pasta, in tacos, or in sandwiches. A typical entree comes with two sides — usually rice, fries, coleslaw, or vegetables — and costs between $14 and $22. The restaurant also serves fish and chips, grilled fish fillets, chicken dishes, and pasta with seafood or cream sauce.

Appetizers include fried shrimp, calamari, crab cakes, and seafood dips, priced from $8 to $14. Salads with shrimp or fish are available as lighter options. The restaurant serves beer, wine, and soft drinks; alcohol prices vary by location but are typical for a casual restaurant. Desserts are straightforward — pie, cake, or ice cream — and cost $5 to $8.

If you have dietary restrictions, the menu lists ingredients for most dishes, but you should ask your server or the counter staff about preparation methods, cross-contamination, or substitutions. The restaurant does not publish a formal allergen guide online, so calling ahead if you have a severe allergy is the safest approach.

Timing and Wait Times

Bubba Gump locations are typically busiest during lunch (11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) and dinner (6 p.m. to 8 p.m.), especially on weekends and during tourist season. If you arrive during off-peak hours — mid-afternoon or late evening — you will usually be seated within 5 to 15 minutes. During peak times, waits can stretch to 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the location and day of the week.

Once you are seated and have ordered, food typically arrives within 15 to 25 minutes. Fried items take slightly longer than grilled items. If you are in a hurry, call the restaurant before you go and ask about current wait times, or plan to visit during a slower period.

The Restaurant Experience and Atmosphere

The interior of every Bubba Gump is decorated with scenes, quotes, and props from Forrest Gump. You will see the bench from the bus stop, the football field, the shrimping boat, and photos of the cast. The walls are covered with movie stills and memorabilia. The music and overall vibe are casual and family-friendly, designed to feel like you are inside the movie.

Tables are standard restaurant tables, not booths at most locations, though some have a mix. The noise level is moderate to loud, especially during busy times. Children are welcome, and the menu includes simpler items like chicken tenders and shrimp that appeal to younger diners. High chairs are available at most locations if you are dining with a baby.

The restaurant is designed as a destination experience, not just a place to eat quickly. Many visitors spend time looking at the decorations and taking photos. If you are visiting a Bubba Gump for the first time, plan to spend 45 minutes to an hour from arrival to departure, including wait time and eating.

Location and How to Find One

Bubba Gump Shrimp Company has locations in major U.S. cities and tourist destinations, including Las Vegas, New Orleans, Myrtle Beach, Orlando, and coastal California. There are also international locations in places like Japan and Mexico. The restaurant is not in every city, so you will need to check whether one is near you.

To find a location, visit the official Bubba Gump website and use their location finder, or search "Bubba Gump near me" in Google Maps. The website lists hours, phone numbers, and addresses for each restaurant. You can also call a location directly to ask about menu items, wait times, or dietary accommodations before you visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation?

Most Bubba Gump locations do not take reservations. You arrive and wait in line, or you can call ahead to ask how busy it is. A few locations in high-traffic areas may accept reservations for large groups; call the specific restaurant to ask.

Can I order takeout?

Yes, most locations offer takeout. Call the restaurant to place an order, or ask at the counter when you arrive. Takeout orders typically take 15 to 20 minutes to prepare. Prices are the same as dine-in, and you pay when you pick up your order.

Is there a kids menu?

Yes, Bubba Gump has a kids menu with smaller portions and simpler items like chicken tenders, shrimp, mac and cheese, and grilled cheese. Kids meals come with a side and a drink and cost less than adult entrees, usually $8 to $12.

What if I am allergic to shellfish?

Bubba Gump serves many non-shrimp items — fish, chicken, and pasta — but because the restaurant handles shrimp throughout the kitchen, cross-contamination is possible. If you have a severe shellfish allergy, call the restaurant before you visit to discuss preparation and safety, or consider eating elsewhere.

Can I bring my own cake for a birthday?

Policies vary by location. Some restaurants allow outside cakes if you give them notice; others do not. Call the specific location you plan to visit and ask. Many Bubba Gump locations also offer birthday packages that include a dessert and sometimes a discount or special seating.