So, you’ve been binge-watching Pawn Stars again, huh? You’re not alone—that dusty gold mine of a pawn shop has hooked millions of us. But have you ever paused mid-bite of your snack and wondered, “Who actually owns this place?” Not just the shiny Rolexes and Civil War swords—who really calls the shots at the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop?
The Short Answer: It’s a Family Affair
The primary owner of the World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop is Rick Harrison. You know him: the guy with the graying beard, the ever-present sunglasses, and the poker face that could make a statue nervous. He’s the face of the show and the brains behind the business.
But hold your horses—he’s not a lone wolf. The shop is actually owned by Rick Harrison and his son, Corey "Big Hoss" Harrison. Yep, that big fella with the booming laugh and a heart for muscle cars has a serious stake in the game.
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The Real Backstory: How This Whole Circus Started
Let’s rewind the clock a bit. Rick’s dad, Richard Benjamin Harrison, started the shop back in 1989. Yes, the legendary “Old Man” you loved to watch grumble at customers was the original boss. He founded it with a simple vision: buy low, sell high, and don’t let anyone talk you down on a 1950s Coca-Cola sign.
When the Old Man passed away in 2018, Rick and Corey became the sole owners. But here’s a fun little fact: the family dynamic is real—Corey technically owns a chunk of the business, but Rick still holds the majority stake. Think of it like a pizza: Rick gets the biggest slice, Corey gets a hearty second slice, and Chumlee? Well, Chumlee gets to eat the crust and make everyone laugh.
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Wait, Is Chumlee an Owner Too?
Great question! Everyone’s favorite overgrown golden retriever in a flat-brim hat—Austin "Chumlee" Russell—is not an owner. Nope. He’s a longtime employee and a dear family friend, but he has zero equity in the shop. He’s basically the hilarious cousin who lives in your guest house; you love him, but he’s not on the deed.
That said, Chumlee has built a massive personal brand from the show. He’s got his own merchandise, his own candy shop, and probably enough novelty socks to clothe a small army. So don’t cry for him—he’s doing just fine.
Wait, What About Rick’s Other Kids?
Rick has a son named Adam Harrison, who tragically passed away in 2024. He also has a daughter, Sherry Harrison, but she isn’t involved in the business. The shop is basically a two-man show between Rick and Corey, with a rotating cast of employees who get famous for about two seasons before fading into pawn shop legend.
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And let’s not forget the unsung heroes: the pawn brokers, cashiers, and the poor guy who has to polish all those vintage guitars. They don’t own the place, but they keep the gears turning while Rick haggles over a 300-year-old samurai sword.
The Secret Sauce: Why This Family Works
Here’s the thing: Rick is the strategist. He’s the one who knows the value of a 19th-century vase from a broken lamp. He’s sharp, patient, and has a memory like a steel trap for historical trivia. Corey, on the other hand, is the heart of the operation. He’s more impulsive, more emotional, and more likely to buy a beat-up Chevy truck just because it reminds him of his youth.
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Together, they balance each other out. Rick keeps the ship steady; Corey brings the energy. And the Old Man? Even from the great pawn shop in the sky, his spirit probably still snickers every time a customer walks in asking for “a good deal on a diamond ring, bro.”
But Is It Really All The Harrison’s?
Legally speaking, the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop is a limited liability company (LLC), and the ownership structure is mostly private. What we do know is that Rick and Corey are the face of the LLC, and they own the building and the brand together. The show’s production company? That’s a different beast—they just rent the space and pay the family for the drama.
So, to answer your burning question in one sentence: Rick Harrison is the majority owner, Corey Harrison is the minority owner, and the rest of Las Vegas just rents a front-row seat to the madness.
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The Uplifting Conclusion: A Story of Grit and Gold
Here’s what I love about this whole story. The Harrison family didn’t inherit a fortune—they started with a small pawn shop in a seedy part of Las Vegas. They worked their butts off, argued with customers, and turned a dusty store into a global phenomenon.
Rick once said, “I’m not the smartest guy in the room, but I can outwork anyone.” That’s the secret. They own the shop because they never gave up, even when times were tough and the economy was crashing. They turned their little family feud into a billion-dollar empire, all while wearing sunglasses indoors and looking mildly annoyed.
So the next time you watch Rick stare down a customer over a $50 difference on a used saxophone, remember: you’re watching the result of decades of hustle, mistakes, laughs, and a whole lot of love. The owners of Pawn Stars are just a father and son who kept showing up. And if that doesn’t make you smile, I don’t know what will—except maybe a discounted vintage pinball machine. 😉