What Happened to Gold & Silver Pawn Shop?

The Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, located in Las Vegas, Nevada, has transformed from a local family business into a global phenomenon, largely due to the success of the History Channel's reality series 'Pawn Stars.' The shop's origins trace back to 1980 when retired Navy veteran Richard 'Old Man' Harrison moved to Las Vegas. His son, Rick Harrison, eventually secured one of the city's first new pawn licenses in years, leading to the official opening of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in 1989.

The 'Pawn Stars' show, which premiered on July 19, 2009, captured the daily operations, unique items, and family dynamics of Richard, Rick, Rick's son Corey 'Big Hoss' Harrison, and family friend Austin 'Chumlee' Russell. The series quickly became a massive hit, airing in over 150 countries and becoming the History Channel's highest-rated program, significantly boosting the shop's profile and turning it into a major tourist destination attracting thousands of visitors daily.

Key turning points and challenges have marked the shop's journey. Richard 'Old Man' Harrison, the beloved patriarch, passed away on June 25, 2018, at the age of 77 after a battle with Parkinson's disease, marking a significant loss for the family and the show. The cast members have also faced personal and legal issues, including a 2014 controversy involving a stolen coin collection, Chumlee's felony charges in 2016 (for which he completed probation), and Corey Harrison's DUI arrest in 2023. Rick Harrison has also been involved in an ongoing civil lawsuit filed by his mother.

As of August 2026, the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop remains fully operational and continues to be a prominent Las Vegas landmark. Rick Harrison has expanded his business ventures, opening 'Rick's Collection' in February 2025 and launching the 'Pawn After Dark' podcast with Chumlee. However, the 'Pawn Stars' dynamic has seen further changes, with reports in March 2026 indicating Corey Harrison's departure from the shop and the show, and his relocation to Tulum following severe financial difficulties and a serious motorcycle crash. Despite rumors of demolition in April 2026, the shop is not being torn down and continues to thrive.

The current status of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop is robust. In June 2026, Rick Harrison reported that the shop had experienced its 'best quarter in a decade,' attributing this success to increased demand in the broader pawn market, influenced by economic factors like inflation and high gold prices. While the original family dynamic of 'Pawn Stars' has evolved, the History Channel has confirmed plans for new episodes, with filming in early 2026 and a premiere expected in early 2027, focusing on Rick Harrison and Chumlee Russell as they carry the franchise forward. The shop continues to leverage its global brand through merchandise, online content, and public appearances, with Rick Harrison scheduled for events like a Poker Run in October 2026.