Ownership Overview
The pawn shop featured on the television series Pawn Stars is Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas, Nevada. In practice, the shop is controlled by a mix of family ownership and corporate entities tied to the Harrison family. Rick Harrison, his father Richard Benjamin Harrison, and his son Corey Harrison hold key roles, while corporate filings show related companies such as Harrison Enterprises and Pawn Stars, Inc. as central to operations. This structure reflects a family-run business that has also been organized for scale and brand management.
The Harrison Family Stake
Richard Benjamin Harrison (The Old Man)
Richard Benjamin Harrison, commonly known as The Old Man, was a co-owner and the public face of the shop until his passing in 2018. He and Rick co-founded the shop and shared ownership through family-held arrangements. His role was both symbolic and operational, anchoring the shop’s identity long before television exposure.
Rick Harrison (The Boss)
Rick Harrison is widely recognized as the owner and operator of the shop. He holds primary responsibility for daily decisions, inventory acquisition, and customer relations. Legally and financially, his name appears on key documents, and he is the public figure most associated with the business’s direction.
Corey Harrison (The Kid)
Corey Harrison worked closely with his father and grandfather in the shop, rising from teenager to on-screen leader by the show’s later seasons. His ownership stake and operational role grew over time, positioning him as a key leader within the family structure.
Corporate Structures and Legal Entities
Although the Harrisons are a close-knit family, the business is not solely a family partnership. Corporate entities such as Harrison Enterprises and related shell companies are used for contracts, branding, and financial separation. These structures help manage liabilities, protect brand assets, and streamline business operations across television, merchandise, and licensing.
| Entity or Role | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Gold & Silver Pawn Shop (LLC) | Primary legal entity for the Las Vegas shop | Business filings |
| Harrison Enterprises | Corporate vehicle tied to ownership and management | Public records |
| Pawn Stars, Inc. | Entity linked to television production and licensing | Court and business records |
| Rick Harrison | Named owner and operator in operational documents | Business and court documents |
| Richard Harrison Estate | Post-death estate maintains ownership stakes | Probate and legal records |
| Corey Harrison | Stake and operational role confirmed by public filings and appearances | Business filings and media |
Shop Operations and Daily Control
Day-to-day control of the shop rests with Rick Harrison and his team. He oversees appraisals, purchases, sales, and customer service, with Corey often supporting high-level decisions. Vendors and regulars interact primarily with Rick and Corey, reinforcing their visible ownership roles. Employees follow procedures set by the Harrisons, ensuring consistent operations aligned with the brand.
Television Impact and Business Brand
The show Pawn Stars significantly increased traffic and global recognition for the shop. Television exposure turned the location into a tourist destination, which the family has leveraged through branding, licensing, and merchandise. This media-driven growth reinforced the family’s control, as the shop’s identity became tightly linked to the show’s narrative and their public personas.
Financial Footprint and Net Worth Context
While precise ownership splits are not always public, available records indicate that the Harrisons share ownership according to family and corporate agreements. Industry estimates place the shop’s annual revenue in the millions, with individual net worths for the family members reflecting both business success and television income. These figures underscore a durable business model built around family control and television synergy.