Restaurant Hospitality is part of the Informa Connect division of Informa PLC. Restaurants, brimming with pop culture memorabilia, kitschy menus, and gift shops, were a driving force behind food trends in the 1980s and early 1990s. Part tourist attraction and part restaurant, it seemed like themed restaurants were everywhere. Then, as consumer tastes changed and people began to value the quality of food over table-side entertainment, themed restaurants began to close their doors.
Even popular chains like The Rainforest Café and Planet Hollywood struggled to stay relevant. Gary Stibel, CEO of The New England Consulting Group, estimated that over the past two decades, the number of themed restaurants has declined and foot traffic has declined. However, with a new generation of diners looking for fully immersive, Instagram-friendly experiences, themed restaurants seem to be on the rise again. The first permanent Hello Kitty Grand Café opened its doors in September. This follows Hello Kitty's food truck, a pop-up window in a shipping container, and a mini-café as a standalone kiosk. The latest version is the first physical store of the parent company Sanrio in the U.
S. Last year, Mad Rex in Philadelphia gave guests a chance to enjoy a post-apocalyptic dinner. Next year, an immersive dining experience inspired by “Mamma Mia” will open in London. Harnessing media rumors and fan enthusiasm to generate buzz, many starting as pop-up windows. Pop culture franchises such as “Star Wars”, “Game of Thrones”, “Breaking Bad” and “Stranger Things” have inspired emerging concepts in the United States in recent years.
These pop-ups only need to generate enough publicity to fill reservations for a few weeks or months, long before they risk becoming obsolete. Saved by the Max, a traveling pop-up restaurant with the theme of “Saved by the Bell” based on the restaurant from the popular comedy of the early 90s, has found a long life somewhere between a short-term pop-up restaurant and a more permanent restaurant. Attention to detail is so important, Berry said, that it causes every potential server to approve a “Saved by the Bell” trivia quiz. Others have succeeded as permanent concepts with more attractive topics in general. SafeHouse, which plans to expand nationally, owes much of its 52 years of success to choosing a topic with great appeal, said: “Agent Blonde, also known as Peggy Williams-Smith, senior vice president of the SafeHouse Restaurant Group. For restaurants with less conspicuous themes, such as The Pandorica, a “Doctor Who” -inspired restaurant in Beacon, N.
The restaurant declares that its theme is to pay homage to American greatness, so you'll find all the classic American dishes, from roasted meat to hamburgers and fried pickles. Housed in a charming, rustic wooden building, the Glen Junction family restaurant has a train theme that both children and adults love. Using what used to be the hotel pool, the restaurant owners transformed it into a lagoon that is now in the center of the restaurant. Of course, there are always tried-and-true chains like Rainforest Cafe, Planet Hollywood, and The Hard Rock Cafe, but if you're looking for a more unique experience, a little research shows that there are gems from themed restaurants across the country. Built in 1673, The White Horse Tavern has the distinction of being the oldest restaurant in the United States and one of the oldest restaurants in the world. The two-day experience focuses on what makes a themed restaurant so appealing: the opportunity to dine on a delicious meal that is fun and helps transport customers to another time and place.
For example, George Washington's favorite food - grilled duck breast with potatoes and corn pudding - is a popular choice if you really want to get into the spirit of the restaurant theme. The restaurant is full of train memorabilia but diners are as enthusiastic about the food as they are about the theme and decor. Speaking of appetite - each Eataly has a different collection of different restaurants and counters ranging from pizza and pasta restaurants (our personal favorite) to ice cream counters offering seemingly endless varieties of flavors. Are you looking for an unforgettable dining experience? Look no further than themed restaurants! From Hello Kitty Grand Café to Mad Rex's post-apocalyptic dinner - these eateries offer an immersive experience that will transport you through time and place. Whether you're looking for classic American dishes or George Washington's favorite meal - there's something for everyone! Plus - don't forget about those Instagrammable moments!.
