From Las Vegas pawn shops to a Mexican barbecue dream
In short: Corey Harrison built a public persona on the high-stakes world of antique trading, navigating family friction and reality TV fame. But behind the 'Big Hoss' nickname lies a complex transition from managing a multi-employee shop in Nevada to pursuing a new culinary chapter in Mexico.
Born in 1983, Corey Harrison entered the pawn industry at just nine years old. After some time, he took charge of daily activities at the Las Vegas-based World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, leading a team of 30 staff members. His role was defined by a constant tension with his father, Rick, and grandfather, Richard Benjamin Harrison. While he became the shop's most frequent purchaser, their professional relationship was often characterized by public conflicts over inventory knowledge, management responsibilities, and judgment regarding expensive sales.
The family dynamic reached a turning point in 2012 during Season 7 of 'Pawn Stars.' Seeking more authority, Harrison threatened to leave for another business unless granted a 10% partnership. He ultimately stayed after receiving a raise and a 5% stake with the promise of future growth. This era also saw the family receive the key to the city of Las Vegas from Mayor Oscar Goodman in March 2010, cementing their status as local cultural fixtures.
Harrison's personal life has been marked by significant transitions. After two marriages and a move toward health-conscious changes—including weight loss surgery following a diabetes diagnosis in 2010—he announced in 2025 that he would not renew his contract with the History Channel. He relocated to Tulum, Mexico, to develop a barbecue restaurant. Despite a major motorcycle accident in January 2026 that left him with 11 fractured ribs, he continues his media presence through 'The Corey Harrison Show' podcast launched in 2026.
His career trajectory illustrates the shift from traditional brick-and-mortar commerce to modern content creation. From traveling across the U.S. for 'Pawn Stars Do America' in 2022 to independent podcasting, Harrison has pivoted from being a face of a family brand to an individual entrepreneur navigating international ventures.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Corey Harrison
- Also: Wikidata — Corey Harrison · CC0
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