News Summary
In 2025, three billionaires from Louisiana made it to the prestigious Forbes 400 list, collectively representing a wealth of $35.9 billion. Leading the list is Todd Graves, with a net worth of $22 billion, followed by Gayle Benson and William Goldring. Their success showcases the state’s economic growth and entrepreneurial spirit across various industries.
New Orleans – Three prominent billionaires from Louisiana have made the prestigious 2025 Forbes 400 list of the richest individuals in the United States, collectively accounting for a substantial wealth of approximately $35.9 billion. The Forbes 400 is an annual ranking that assesses the wealth of the richest Americans as of September 1, 2025, with eligibility requiring a minimum net worth of about $3.8 billion.
Todd Graves, founder and CEO of the popular fast-food chain Raising Cane’s, leads the Louisiana rankings at position 46 with a net worth of $22 billion. His journey began in 1996 when he opened the first Raising Cane’s restaurant using a small business loan and personal savings. Today, Raising Cane’s has blossomed into a major player in the fast-food sector, boasting 800 locations across more than 40 states and projected sales of $5.1 billion for the current fiscal year.
Following Graves on the list is Gayle Benson, who ranks 176th with an estimated net worth of $7.9 billion. At 78 years old, Benson is recognized for her stewardship of the NFL’s New Orleans Saints and the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans, which she inherited after her husband, Tom Benson, passed away. Her inheritance followed a highly publicized legal dispute over family assets, culminating in a resolution in 2017, which confirmed her ownership rights amid claims regarding Tom Benson’s mental competency.
Lastly, William Goldring is listed at 246th with a net worth of $6 billion. At the age of 82, Goldring has turned the Sazerac Company into one of the largest alcohol producers in the world. He took over the business in the 1960s and significantly expanded its reach, managing about 500 alcohol brands and operating a dozen distilleries across different countries. In 2010, he sold the family’s wholesaling operations for approximately $400 million and enriched the company portfolio with notable brands like Southern Comfort and Goldschlager.
The combined wealth of the entire Forbes 400 cohort has reached an astounding $6.6 trillion. The list is topped in 2025 by entrepreneur Elon Musk, whose fortune is estimated at $428 billion. The compilation of the list relies on comprehensive methodologies that involve company interviews and detailed analyses of business valuations, SEC filings, and relevant court records, ensuring that the estimates reflect the latest asset values accurately.
Louisiana’s representation on the Forbes 400 highlights the state’s entrepreneurial spirit and capacity for wealth generation, driven by a mix of innovative businesses and influential leadership across various industries. These billionaires not only exemplify financial success but also reflect the growing economic landscape of Louisiana.
As the landscape of wealth continues to evolve, these billionaires serve as important figures not just in their respective industries but also as emblematic representatives of the economic potential present in Louisiana.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Shreveport Times
- Wikipedia: Forbes 400
- WGNO
- Google Search: Louisiana billionaires Forbes 2025
- The Advocate
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wealth
- Axios
- Google News: Louisiana Forbes 2025
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
