John Antioco is an American businessman, known for being the former CEO of the now bankrupt Blockbuster Video who missed an opportunity to purchase Netflix before it became a multi-billion dollar streaming platform.

Over his established career, he has held top executive management positions across multiple industries outside of convenience stores including entertainment and restaurant.

[7] In March 1992, at which point Antioco had become the company's CEO, Circle K was sold for approximately $425 million to a private investor group led by management in conjunction with Investcorp.

[20][22] Early in Antioco's CEO tenure, Blockbuster also ended its relationships with Virgin Interactive, Discovery Zone, and Spelling Entertainment.

[28][29] Under Antioco, Blockbuster launched these services in part to compete with Netflix, which at the time was a growing competitor in the video retail space.

[26][27][29] It has been widely reported that, in 2000, Netflix co-founders Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph offered to sell their company to Blockbuster for $50 million, but Antioco declined.

As a result, in 2007, at the Sundance Film Festival, Antioco and Hastings met to discuss the possibility of Netflix purchasing Blockbuster Online.

[36][37] In February 2010, Antioco founded, and is the Managing Member of JAMCO Interests, a private equity firm that invests in retail and hospitality ventures.

[38][39] JAMCO is the majority owner of Brix Holdings, which owns restaurant brands such as Friendly’s, Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt, Red Mango, Smoothie Factory + Kitchen, Souper Salad, and Humble Donut Co..[40][41][42][43] In April 2024, Brix announced their most recent acquisition of the Clean Juice brand bringing their total portfolio unit count to over 300 locations.

[44][45][46] JAMCO is also a member of TriArtisan Partners, an investment group that owns TGI Fridays, where Antioco served as interim Chairman and CEO in 2015.