JJ18 Posted November 10, 2008 Share Posted November 10, 2008 Ed Hardy just opened, Adidas will open later this year. Ermenegildo Zegna opens in early 2009. (Finally) also in 2009 Valentino, Guess Footwear, Gilly Hicks (that huge barricade with a dog next to Wet Seal), Hilfiger Denim, Frette, and Cinnabon (will put you in a diabetic comma) will open. Also Adrenalina, Avalon, Fredricks of Hollywood, Sneaker Lab, and Republic of Couture will open. Lilly Pulitzer and Ruehl are long over due. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
METALHOUSTON Posted January 7, 2009 Share Posted January 7, 2009 Does anyone have any info on the Rain Forest Caf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
citykid09 Posted January 7, 2009 Share Posted January 7, 2009 I didn't know that the Galleria was getting a Rain Forest Caf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted January 7, 2009 Share Posted January 7, 2009 That would be great. I love the Rainforest Cafe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sevfiv Posted January 7, 2009 Share Posted January 7, 2009 I wasn't able to tell the extent, but there are already Rainforest Cafe signage-walls where the Bennigan's used to be... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houston19514 Posted January 7, 2009 Share Posted January 7, 2009 (edited) Does anyone have any info on the Rain Forest Caf Edited January 7, 2009 by Houston19514 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fatesdisastr Posted January 7, 2009 Share Posted January 7, 2009 thats pretty...interesting.rainforest cafe in a mall...hmm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houston19514 Posted January 7, 2009 Share Posted January 7, 2009 (edited) thats pretty...interesting.rainforest cafe in a mall...hmmIt won't be the first one... There are at least 2 others, one of which is right here at Katy Mills Mall.Edit: Just found a list of their locations. It appears that close to 1/2 of their approximately 37 locations are currently in malls. Edited January 7, 2009 by Houston19514 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
citykid09 Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 There was one in Ontario Mills near Los Angeles, but I don't know if it's still there that was back in the year 2000. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sarahiki Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 Can someone explain to me what the appeal of this place is? I heard it was "amazing" so I took my kids and another family to the one in Galveston. After waiting an hour for a table among swarms of people and the shlock in the gift shop, we were finally seated... I must say, what I remember are the wait, the crowds, and the noise, not the food. I have no idea what we ate or whether it was good. I was scarred. Is it always crowded? Why do people like it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
memebag Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 Can someone explain to me what the appeal of this place is? I heard it was "amazing" so I took my kids and another family to the one in Galveston. After waiting an hour for a table among swarms of people and the shlock in the gift shop, we were finally seated... I must say, what I remember are the wait, the crowds, and the noise, not the food. I have no idea what we ate or whether it was good. I was scarred. Is it always crowded? Why do people like it?Same here. I went to the one in Katy Mills about 8 years ago, and just barely remember it now. The food was nothing special. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
livincinco Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 Can someone explain to me what the appeal of this place is? I heard it was "amazing" so I took my kids and another family to the one in Galveston. After waiting an hour for a table among swarms of people and the shlock in the gift shop, we were finally seated... I must say, what I remember are the wait, the crowds, and the noise, not the food. I have no idea what we ate or whether it was good. I was scarred. Is it always crowded? Why do people like it?My kids loved it when they were little, but I always felt it was average. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 Can someone explain to me what the appeal of this place is? I heard it was "amazing" so I took my kids and another family to the one in Galveston. After waiting an hour for a table among swarms of people and the shlock in the gift shop, we were finally seated... I must say, what I remember are the wait, the crowds, and the noise, not the food. I have no idea what we ate or whether it was good. I was scarred. Is it always crowded? Why do people like it?I wouldn't go so far as to call it "amazing," but it's certainly fun. If you're the sort of person who can't stand crowds then you just have to go at an off-time, usually 11am or 2-4pm are the best times in my experience. If you're the sort of person who harshes on Disney because you think it's cool to hate, then the Rainforest Cafe isn't for you (I'm not saying you're that kind of person, but there are plenty of those kinds of people on HAIF and even in this thread).You just have to relax and enjoy the experience. Use the same willful suspension of disbelief you use in the movie theaters and enjoy the moving decor and the artificial rain storms.More importantly, there aren't many places that will serve you food with dry ice bubbling up or sparklers sticking out of it. So it's different at least for that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProHouston Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 Can someone explain to me what the appeal of this place is? I heard it was "amazing" so I took my kids and another family to the one in Galveston. After waiting an hour for a table among swarms of people and the shlock in the gift shop, we were finally seated... I must say, what I remember are the wait, the crowds, and the noise, not the food. I have no idea what we ate or whether it was good. I was scarred. Is it always crowded? Why do people like it?Kids love it. Where else can you go and eat in a rainforest? It's nothing like Chili's, you get the thunderstorm every 30 minutes, the animals move, food it ok but you go for the experience. I think it'd be great to have one in the Galleria because you could shop while you wait. It would make the wait much more bearable. We do the same thing with the Cheesecake Factory when that wait gets long. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
memebag Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 If you're the sort of person who harshes on Disney because you think it's cool to hate...What if you're the sort of person who doesn't think it's cool to hate, but still harshes on Disney? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHiPs Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 thats pretty...interesting.rainforest cafe in a mall...hmmumm..there's a Rainforest Cafe at Katy Mills. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LTAWACS Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 What if you're the sort of person who doesn't think it's cool to hate, but still harshes on Disney?Where is theniche when you need him?I must say it was nothing memorable when I went there the one and only time. The overpriced food was extremely mediocre and the waitstaff struggled with my simple order. I will never go back. It's just as bad as HOB in HP. ugh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moni Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 (edited) Have you ever considered moving to Atlanta? Those of you who find fault with anything and everything Houston should do all of us a favor and go somewhere else. Edited January 8, 2009 by moni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LTAWACS Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 Have you ever considered moving to Atlanta? Those of you who find fault with anything and everything Houston should do all of us a favor and go somewhere else. Why would I ever move to atlanta? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HtownWxBoy Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 Does anyone have any info on the Rain Forest Caf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kjb434 Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 Yippee!Craptastic overpriced food. For kids it's great. Outside of that I have a lot of better choices. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houston19514 Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 I wouldn't go so far as to call it "amazing," but it's certainly fun. If you're the sort of person who can't stand crowds then you just have to go at an off-time, usually 11am or 2-4pm are the best times in my experience. If you're the sort of person who harshes on Disney because you think it's cool to hate, then the Rainforest Cafe isn't for you (I'm not saying you're that kind of person, but there are plenty of those kinds of people on HAIF and even in this thread).You just have to relax and enjoy the experience. Use the same willful suspension of disbelief you use in the movie theaters and enjoy the moving decor and the artificial rain storms.More importantly, there aren't many places that will serve you food with dry ice bubbling up or sparklers sticking out of it. So it's different at least for that.Well, now I can't wait for it to open. Never been much interested in it before. ;-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HtownWxBoy Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 Well, now I can't wait for it to open. Never been much interested in it before. ;-)It is a fun experience if the food it good... like I said last time i was there the food was horrible... hopefully that was an isolated incident... I would try it again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swtsig Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 the last thing i want in my food is dry ice and sparklers.or at least next to last thing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crunchtastic Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 (edited) Had to Google it since I've never heard of "Rainforest Cafe" before this thread. I suspected super cheesy theme experience, but now I'm thinking this is the most bizarre restaurant concept I've ever heard of. The very idea that a child-free adult would set foot in a place like this is creepy to me. Except I guess Father Ted.It sounded suspiciously like the handiwork of Tilman Fertitta, and lo, I was not disappointed. Edited January 8, 2009 by crunchtastic Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HtownWxBoy Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 Had to Google it since I've never heard of "Rainforest Cafe" before this thread. I suspected super cheesy theme experience, but now I'm thinking this is the most bizarre restaurant concept I've ever heard of. The very idea that a child-free adult would set foot in a place like this is creepy to me. Except I guess Father Ted. I always feel bad for people with attitudes like this. Glad I am not like that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bachanon Posted January 9, 2009 Share Posted January 9, 2009 overrated/average/not worth a wait. is it still one of tilman's chains? if so, i dislike it even more.it may be good for the galleria though. in that case hoorah. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted January 9, 2009 Share Posted January 9, 2009 overrated/average/not worth a wait. is it still one of tilman's chains? if so, i dislike it even more.it may be good for the galleria though. in that case hoorah.It is currently a Landry's property, but wasn't always. It was founded elsewhere. I think Landry's bought the chain in the last ten years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sevfiv Posted January 9, 2009 Share Posted January 9, 2009 It was started in Minneapolis around 1994 by a guy named Steven Schussler - his main investor was Lyle Berman, a casino magnate and the first restaurant was developed for one of his casinos, and then one opened in the Mall of America... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted January 9, 2009 Share Posted January 9, 2009 It was started in Minneapolis around 1994 by a guy named Steven Schussler - his main investor was Lyle Berman, a casino magnate and the first restaurant was developed for one of his casinos, and then one opened in the Mall of America...I've been to the one at the Mall of America, and the one in Chicago, and the one in Galveston. Galveston was the best, and the only one with a ride. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houston19514 Posted January 9, 2009 Share Posted January 9, 2009 It was started in Minneapolis around 1994 by a guy named Steven Schussler - his main investor was Lyle Berman, a casino magnate and the first restaurant was developed for one of his casinos, and then one opened in the Mall of America...I think you slightly misread the story. As I understand it, Berman hired Schussler to develop a restaurant (not Rain Forest Cafe) for his casino(s). While working with Grand Casinos, Schussler gained some other backers and got a favorable lease with the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota. That was enough to bring Berman aboard as an investor. They opened the first Rain Forest Cafe in the Mall of America. (October 1994)The second one opened in Woodfield Mall one year later. (Interesting that the first two (and I think the third) were in malls.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sevfiv Posted January 9, 2009 Share Posted January 9, 2009 ^Seems right - I was reading the history from Funding Universe (didn't specify what the restaurant for the casino was):Schussler pitched the concept to stream of potential investors, including Lyle Berman, a successful casino developer and former leather retailer. Although he repeatedly declined to invest, Berman eventually hired Schussler to develop a restaurant for Grand Casinos, Inc. Backers gained during his work with Grand Casinos plus a favorable lease with the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, finally brought Berman aboard.The Rainforest Cafe was incorporated in February 1994; Berman led the private stock placement that allowed Schussler to bring his dream into reality. The doors opened for business in October 1994. Within a week the wait for a table was as much as three hours.http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-his...ny-History.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houston19514 Posted January 9, 2009 Share Posted January 9, 2009 ^Seems right - I was reading the history from Funding Universe (didn't specify what the restaurant for the casino was):http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-his...ny-History.htmlYeah, that's exactly where I got my information. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProHouston Posted January 9, 2009 Share Posted January 9, 2009 Had to Google it since I've never heard of "Rainforest Cafe" before this thread. I suspected super cheesy theme experience, but now I'm thinking this is the most bizarre restaurant concept I've ever heard of. The very idea that a child-free adult would set foot in a place like this is creepy to me. Except I guess Father Ted.It sounded suspiciously like the handiwork of Tilman Fertitta, and lo, I was not disappointed.1) I find it difficult to believe that you've never heard of the "Rainforest Cafe" as it has been very popular for at least a decade.2) You are of course entitled to your opinion, but don't hate on the restaurant like it's crap just because it's not your style.I don't understand why some people have to go off on certain products as if they're holier than thou. I'm sure there are people everywhere who would think your favorite product or restaurant is crap, but they don't feel the need to tell you all the time. Odd. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
memebag Posted January 9, 2009 Share Posted January 9, 2009 1) I find it difficult to believe that you've never heard of the "Rainforest Cafe" as it has been very popular for at least a decade.I don't. The only reason I've heard of it before is because an ex-girlfriend dragged me to one a long time ago. It isn't "very popular" with anyone I currently know.2) You are of course entitled to your opinion, but don't hate on the restaurant like it's crap just because it's not your style.I don't understand why some people have to go off on certain products as if they're holier than thou. I'm sure there are people everywhere who would think your favorite product or restaurant is crap, but they don't feel the need to tell you all the time. Odd.Welcome to the wonderful world of internet fora, where everyone has an opinion and no one is afraid to share. I see you've mastered sharing your own opinions, now sit back and enjoy the opinions of others! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houston-development Posted January 9, 2009 Share Posted January 9, 2009 the only thing i recall was buying a frog-like stuffed animal for my girlfriend's dog. he proceeded to violate poor kermit and was never to be seen again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HtownWxBoy Posted January 9, 2009 Share Posted January 9, 2009 the only thing i recall was buying a frog-like stuffed animal for my girlfriend's dog. he proceeded to violate poor kermit and was never to be seen again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musicman Posted January 9, 2009 Share Posted January 9, 2009 1) I find it difficult to believe that you've never heard of the "Rainforest Cafe" as it has been very popular for at least a decade. there are quite a few things that people claim are wonderful but are lame. this is just another one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sevfiv Posted January 9, 2009 Share Posted January 9, 2009 1) I find it difficult to believe that you've never heard of the "Rainforest Cafe" as it has been very popular for at least a decade.2) You are of course entitled to your opinion, but don't hate on the restaurant like it's crap just because it's not your style.I don't understand why some people have to go off on certain products as if they're holier than thou. I'm sure there are people everywhere who would think your favorite product or restaurant is crap, but they don't feel the need to tell you all the time. Odd.I would have also never known about the Rainforest Cafe unless I took that freak trip to the mall or happened to take that quick cut through the MGM Grand...And everyone is entitled to his/her opinions, which includes feeling like the restaurant is a piece of crap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProHouston Posted January 9, 2009 Share Posted January 9, 2009 And everyone is entitled to his/her opinions, which includes feeling like the restaurant is a piece of crap.That's what I said in #2. Thanks for the support.Welcome to the wonderful world of internet fora, where everyone has an opinion and no one is afraid to share. I see you've mastered sharing your own opinions, now sit back and enjoy the opinions of others!You're right, everyone is ruder online. I try not to be by respecting others opinions and not mocking them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted January 9, 2009 Share Posted January 9, 2009 there are quite a few things that people claim are wonderful but are lame.And vice versa.You're right, everyone is ruder online. I try not to be by respecting others opinions and not mocking them.Thank you for your effort. If only more people would make the effort the internet would be a better place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LTAWACS Posted January 9, 2009 Share Posted January 9, 2009 I would never ever set foot in one of those places ever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted January 9, 2009 Share Posted January 9, 2009 I would never ever set foot in one of those places ever.If you don't try it, how do you know it's bad? I don't understand why there seems to be so much closed-mindedness over something so harmless as a theme restaurant. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
memebag Posted January 9, 2009 Share Posted January 9, 2009 If you don't try it, how do you know it's bad? I don't understand why there seems to be so much closed-mindedness over something so harmless as a theme restaurant.Perhaps some of us have a different opinion about theme restaurants than you do. I don't have to touch every hot stove to know it will burn me. Some folks like that burning sensation, others don't. I don't consider either group "closed minded". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musicman Posted January 10, 2009 Share Posted January 10, 2009 (edited) And vice versa.i must be reading the wrong thread cause i thought we were talking rain forest cafe. Edited January 10, 2009 by musicman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted January 10, 2009 Share Posted January 10, 2009 Perhaps some of us have a different opinion about theme restaurants than you do. I don't have to touch every hot stove to know it will burn me. Some folks like that burning sensation, others don't. I don't consider either group "closed minded".False dichotomy. A stove is not a restaurant. Trying a restaurant will not hurt you. FAIL.I'm not saying everyone should love the Rainforest Cafe, or any other restaurant. I'm just surprised by the number of comments along the lines of "I've never been there and I hate it." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
memebag Posted January 10, 2009 Share Posted January 10, 2009 False dichotomy. A stove is not a restaurant. Trying a restaurant will not hurt you. FAIL.Not a dichotomy; an analogy. Comprehension FAIL. Civil FAIL.I'm not saying everyone should love the Rainforest Cafe, or any other restaurant. I'm just surprised by the number of comments along the lines of "I've never been there and I hate it."Really? You're just surprised? You seem annoyed that some folks have an aversion to theme restaurants. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted January 10, 2009 Share Posted January 10, 2009 Civil FAIL.Pot... kettle... etc...Really? You're just surprised? You seem annoyed that some folks have an aversion to theme restaurants.Nope. Just surprised. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ProHouston Posted January 10, 2009 Share Posted January 10, 2009 I would never ever set foot in one of those places ever.Here's that "holier than thou" I was talking about above. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted January 10, 2009 Share Posted January 10, 2009 Here's that "holier than thou" I was talking about above.Exactly. If someone never sets foot in a place, how do they know it's bad?Just because a restaurant is a theme restaurant doesn't mean the food is bad. In fact, Cafe Discovery (kind of like a Discovery Channel themed restaurant) used to always win prizes at the Taste of Cincinnati and in regional competitions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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