Former Wendy’s and Chili’s franchisee Ulysses “Junior” Bridgeman died Tuesday in Louisville, Ky., after a heart attack. He was 71.
The former basketball star suffered a heart attack while attending a Scouting event at the local Galt House Hotel. He was transported by ambulance to a local hospital, where his death was confirmed.
Shaquille O’Neal, founder of Big Chicken, said during a later appearance on the “NBA on TNT” show that Bridgeman was a role model.
“They always tell us stories about how 75% of athletes five years after they’re done playing go broke, and I never wanted to be that,” O’Neal said on the show, adding that he consulted with successful former players like Magic Johnson and Michael Ervin and also reached out to Bridgeman.
“He had Wendy’s. I started Big Chicken,” O’Neal said. “I actually just talked to him the other day because we were getting ready to do business, so my condolences go out to his partners.”
O’Neal said Bridgeman, who based much of his operations in Kentucky, also got him involved in Papa John’s International Inc., which is based in Louisville. O’Neal served on the Papa Johns’ board and helped develop the Shaq-a-Roni pizza.
“This one hurts a lot,” he said.
Bridgeman transitioned successfully from the basketball court to the business world, leading Bridgeman Sports and Media.
He played for the Louisville Cardinals under coach Denny Crum in the ‘70s, leading the Cards to a Final Four appearance in 1975 during his senior season. Bridgeman was drafted to the NBA, where he played for 12 years.
He spent most his professional career at the Milwaukee Bucks and played with the Los Angeles Clippers. In 2024, he bought a 10% stake in the Milwaukee team.
“You became a part of the Bucks organization,” Bridgeman recalled. “Even when you left, you never felt like you were not a part of the organization.”
Besides his Wendy’s and Chili’s Grill & Bar franchise ownership, which at one point totaled more than 450 locations in 20 states, Bridgeman was also a Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Co. distributor. He bought Ebony and Jet magazines and was part of a group that bought the Valhalla Golf Club.
He bought his first three Wendy’s restaurants while still playing basketball, and built on those holdings after he retired in 1987.
He is survived by his wife, Doris, and children Eden, Justin, and Ryan.
Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected]
Follow him on X/Twitter: @RonRuggless
