What is Sam Nazarian's net worth?
Sam Nazarian is an Iranian-American businessman and entrepreneur who has a net worth of $400 million.
Sam Nazarian emerged as one of the most influential figures in modern hospitality and entertainment, transforming the landscape of nightlife, hotels, and dining across the United States. As the founder and CEO of SBE Entertainment Group, Nazarian pioneered a new model of lifestyle hospitality that merged nightclubs, boutique hotels, and innovative restaurants into cohesive branded experiences.
Born into an Iranian-Jewish family in Tehran and raised in Los Angeles, he leveraged his entrepreneurial instincts and keen understanding of luxury markets to build a multibillion-dollar empire. From his early telecommunications ventures to creating iconic hospitality brands like SLS Hotels and Katsuya restaurants, Nazarian established himself as a visionary who redefined contemporary hospitality by blending luxury, design, and experiential elements.
Early Life
Born in 1975 in Tehran, Iran, Nazarian and his family immigrated to the United States following the Iranian Revolution, settling in Beverly Hills, California. Growing up in an entrepreneurial household—his father Younes Nazarian was a prominent investor and businessman—Sam developed business acumen early. After attending New York University, he made his first significant business moves in the telecommunications industry, founding Platinum Wireless, a successful telecommunications business that he later sold.
Career Rise
In 2002, Nazarian founded SBE Entertainment Group, starting with nightclub ventures in Los Angeles. Working closely with nightclub entrepreneur Brent Bolthouse, his first major success came with creating and operating popular venues like Hyde Lounge and Area. Understanding the changing dynamics of nightlife and entertainment, he strategically expanded into restaurant operations and boutique hotels. His approach to creating integrated lifestyle experiences set new standards in the industry.
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Hotel and Restaurant Empire
Nazarian's vision reached new heights with the launch of SLS Hotels, a luxury hotel brand that combined distinctive design with high-end amenities. Partnering with renowned designers like Philippe Starck, he created properties that became destinations in themselves. In the restaurant sector, he developed successful concepts like Katsuya and Cleo, and formed partnerships with acclaimed chefs.
Having previously sold a 50% stake in his business, in 2020 he sold the remaining 50% of SBE to Accor Hotels at an $850 million valuation.
Innovation and Business Strategy
What distinguished Nazarian in the hospitality industry was his ability to identify and capitalize on emerging trends. He pioneered the concept of lifestyle hospitality, where hotels, restaurants, and nightlife venues work together to create comprehensive guest experiences. His business model often involved partnering with leading designers, chefs, and brands to create unique offerings that appealed to luxury consumers while maintaining operational efficiency.
Personal Life & Real Estate
Sam is married to Albanian-American model Emina Cunmulaj.
In 2016, Sam paid $6.565 million for a home in Los Angeles. He listed this home in 2018 for $9 million. In 2015, Sam bought the late Paramount CEO Brad Grey's Bel-Air mansion for $25 million. Sam listed this home for sale in 2022 for $40 million. He accepted $36.4 million. In December 2020, Sam paid $14 million for a 10,000-square-foot mansion in Coral Gables, Florida. Here is a video tour of his former Bel-Air mansion:
