Jocks and Meals: 20 Athletes and the Restaurants They Should Invest in

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FARMINGDALE, NY - JUNE 22: Phil Mickelson looks on from the 18th hole during the continuation of the final round of the 109th U.S. Open on the Black Course at Bethpage State Park on June 22, 2009 in Farmingdale, New York. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Gett

In a bit of strange recent news, Phil Mickelson has apparently put in a bid to buy 105 Waffle Houses.

I'm guessing that the sometimes hefty lefty might be a fan of the franchise after a few 2 a.m. All-Star Specials, but hey, who isn't?

If Phil can buy himself some Waffle Houses, what restaurants would other athletes invest in?

Tiger Woods: 106 IHOPs

TURNBERRY, SCOTLAND - JULY 17: Tiger Woods of USA leaves the 18th green during round two of the 138th Open Championship on the Ailsa Course, Turnberry Golf Club on July 17, 2009 in Turnberry, Scotland. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Just to one-up Phil.

Jeff Saturday: TGI Fridays

SAN DIEGO, CA - NOVEMBER 23: Center Jeff Saturday #63 of the Indianapolis Colts walks off the field with an injury in the first half during their NFL Game at Qualcomm Stadium on November 23, 2008 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty

Just so he could rename the franchise TGI Saturdays.

Dirk Nowitzki: Wienerschnitzel

DALLAS - MAY 11: Forward Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts after making a shot against the Denver Nuggets in Game Four of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center on May 11, 2009 in Dallas,

The big German would also make sure that everyone started pronouncing it "Veenerschnitzel."

Prince Fielder: Burger King

After winning the Home Run Derby, Prince should upgrade to the King.

Not only does he hit some Whoppers, but he might indulge in some as well.

Andy Roddick: McDonald's

WIMBLEDON, ENGLAND - JULY 05: Andy Roddick of USA serves during the men's singles final match against Roger Federer of Switzerland on Day Thirteen of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 5, 2009

Over one billion aces served.

John Daly: Hooters

TURNBERRY, SCOTLAND - JULY 16: John Daly of USA stands next to his colourful golf bag during round one of the 138th Open Championship on the Ailsa Course, Turnberry Golf Club on July 16, 2009 in Turnberry, Scotland. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Image

He eats there all the time, and his girlfriend is a former Hooters girl and a current employee. Nobody loves Hooters more than John Daly.

And you can't stop staring at both of their outfits.

The Lopez Brothers: Chuck E. Cheese

NEW YORK - JUNE 25: Brook Lopez and Robin Lopez attend the premiere of 'Gunnin' For That #1 Spot' on June 25, 2008 at the Magic Johnson Theatre in New York City. (Photo by Scott Wintrow/Getty Images)

The Lopez brothers are like big kids. Big seven-foot-tall kids.

You just know that they would buy a Chuck E. Cheese just to have the ball pit all to themselves.

LenDale White: Subway

DETROIT , MI - NOVEMBER 27: LenDale White #25 of the Tennessee Titans celebrates a second quarter touchdown while playing the Detroit Lions on November 27, 2008 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Hey, if it worked for Jared...

Randy Moss: 7-Eleven

FOXBORO, MA - NOVEMBER 13: Randy Moss #81 of the New England Patriots makes a catch before a game with the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on November 13, 2008 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Jets won 34-31 in overtime. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

Because he's always open, even when he's not.

Lamar Odom: Wonka Candy

ORLANDO, FL - JUNE 14: Lamar Odom #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers moves the ball against the Orlando Magic in Game Five of the 2009 NBA Finals on June 14, 2009 at Amway Arena in Orlando, Florida. The Lakers won 99-86. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowle

This way his sweet tooth will always be satisfied.

...and his play will always be inconsistent.

Barry Bonds: Friendly's

SAN FRANCISCO - SEPTEMBER 26: Barry Bonds #25 of the San Francisco Giants looks on during his game against the San Diego Padres during a Major League Baseball game on September 26, 2007 at AT&T Park in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/

Just because the name fits his personality so well.

Daniel Snyder: Little Caesars

CANTON, OH - AUGUST 3: Owner Daniel Snyder of the Washington Redskins checks the field before play against the Indianapolis Colts in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game at Fawcett Stadium on August 3, 2008 in Canton, Ohio. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Get

For one of the biggest tyrants in sports.

"So wait, you're telling me what I just bought wasn't actually Caesar's empire? They just make pizza? Are you sure? Can I fire the coach or get a new quarterback?"

Pablo Sandoval: Panda Express

SAN FRANCISCO - MAY 17: Pablo Sandoval #48 of the San Francisco Giants waits at third base against the New York Mets during a Major League Baseball game on May17, 2009 at AT&T Park in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

They call him Panda, short for Kung-Fu Panda, after the big, lovable cartoon character. It's too perfect.

Maria Sharapova: The Cheesecake Factory

Because the only pictures of her that people care about are cheesecake photos like this one.

Adam "Pacman" Jones: Scores

IRVING, TX - AUGUST 28: Cornerback Adam 'Pacman' Jones #21 of the Dallas Cowboys watches from the sidelines during a preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings after being reinstated to the league earlier in the day on August 28, 2008 at Texas Stadium

Only for the buffet, of course. He didn't even know that it was a strip club. Promise.

Chad Ochocinco: Taco Bell

CINCINNATI - DECEMBER 14: Chad Johnson #85 of the Cincinnati Bengals moves on the field during the NFL game against the Washington Redskins on December 14, 2008 at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Bengals won 20-13. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty

Because his last name is about as authentic as Taco Bell's food.

Al Davis: Denny's

ALAMEDA, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis speaks during a press conference to announce the firing of head coach Lane Kiffin of the Oakland Raiders at thier training facility on Septemer 30, 2008 in Alameda, California. (Photo by Jed Jac

He'll be there right when it opens, too.

Robert Horry: Jack in the Box

SAN ANTONIO - APRIL 29: Robert Horry #25 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts to a foul called against him during the first quarter against the Phoenix Suns in Game Five of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2008 NBA Playoffs at the AT&T Center o

During most of the day, Jack in the Box isn't really a factor, but when it's midnight and you need some food, it's the place to be.

I can't think of a better chain for Mr. Horry.

Alex Rodriguez: Hard Rock Cafe

NEW YORK - JULY 22: Alex Rodriguez #13 of the New York Yankees looks on against the Baltimore Orioles on July 22, 2009 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

The Hard Rock Cafe is overpriced, and the food isn't as great as advertised, yet it will still go down as one of the most legendary restaurants of all time.

If Hard Rock ever admitted to using taste-enhancing drugs, the analogy would be complete.

Ron Artest: Long John Silver's

LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 12: Ron Artest #96 of the Houston Rockets looks on against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Five of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center on May 12, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO U

Because I don't trust either one at all. Not even a little bit.

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Bleacher Report: Philadelphia Edition

Jocks and Meals: 20 Athletes and the Restaurants They Should Invest in

By
Matt King
(Senior Writer) on July 23, 2009

Tiger Woods: 106 IHOPs

Jeff Saturday: TGI Fridays

Dirk Nowitzki: Wienerschnitzel

Prince Fielder: Burger King

Andy Roddick: McDonald's

John Daly: Hooters

The Lopez Brothers: Chuck E. Cheese

LenDale White: Subway

Randy Moss: 7-Eleven

Lamar Odom: Wonka Candy

Barry Bonds: Friendly's

Daniel Snyder: Little Caesars

Pablo Sandoval: Panda Express

Maria Sharapova: The Cheesecake Factory

Adam "Pacman" Jones: Scores

Chad Ochocinco: Taco Bell

Al Davis: Denny's

Robert Horry: Jack in the Box

Alex Rodriguez: Hard Rock Cafe

Ron Artest: Long John Silver's

More Articles You'll Like

8 Comments

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Bleacher Report: Philadelphia Edition

Jocks and Meals: 20 Athletes and the Restaurants They Should Invest in

By Matt King (Senior Writer) on July 23, 2009

Tiger Woods: 106 IHOPs

Jeff Saturday: TGI Fridays

Dirk Nowitzki: Wienerschnitzel

Prince Fielder: Burger King

Andy Roddick: McDonald's

John Daly: Hooters

The Lopez Brothers: Chuck E. Cheese

LenDale White: Subway

Randy Moss: 7-Eleven

Lamar Odom: Wonka Candy

Barry Bonds: Friendly's

Daniel Snyder: Little Caesars

Pablo Sandoval: Panda Express

Maria Sharapova: The Cheesecake Factory

Adam "Pacman" Jones: Scores

Chad Ochocinco: Taco Bell

Al Davis: Denny's

Robert Horry: Jack in the Box

Alex Rodriguez: Hard Rock Cafe

Ron Artest: Long John Silver's

More Articles You'll Like

8 Comments

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By
Matt King
(Senior Writer) on July 23, 2009

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