Darts player Justin Hood’s plans for a restaurant face challenges despite recent winnings
Darts fan favourite Justin Hood is keen to open a Chinese restaurant but is finding that his substantial earnings at the PDC World Darts Championship have not fully realised that ambition. The 33-year-old secured £100,000 after reaching the quarter-finals in 2025, and the idea of launching the restaurant has been at the forefront of his mind since defeating Nick Kenny in the first round, reports BritPanorama.
Hood’s impressive run at Alexandra Palace included four victories before ultimately being defeated by Gary Anderson. While he had banked £60,000 from his winnings, the reality of business expenses soon set in, leaving him with less than he anticipated after management and tax deductions.
Hood conveyed his disappointment to Oche 180, stating, “It was the goal, it’s still the goal. After we paid our management and all taxes, I was left with a lot less than I thought I would be, but it’s still the goal at some point.”
Luke Littler, another darting talent, has expressed genuine interest in partnering with Hood for the restaurant venture, provided the endeavour is financially viable. “Well, as long as I make money, then yeah, let’s do it,” Littler remarked. Although he acknowledged past investment opportunities he passed on, the prospect of collaboration with Hood clearly piques his interest.
Littler, at just 19, has amassed over £3 million in career prizes, bolstered by a sponsorship deal reportedly worth £20 million with Target Darts. This financial backing could prove beneficial if the restaurant project comes to fruition.
In a light-hearted moment, Hood mentioned other players he would be keen to involve in the restaurant plans, joking about their potential culinary skills and trustworthiness. “Luke Humphries, Luke Littler, they both want to get involved but I can’t trust them around my food,” he quipped, adding that he would also welcome Nathan Aspinall into the mix.
As Hood navigates the intersection of sport and business, his journey reflects the broader aspirations and hurdles faced by athletes transitioning into entrepreneurship. Whether his restaurant dreams materialise remains to be seen, but the enthusiasm for a new chapter is unmistakable.
