HUNGRY FOR THEME DINING

FILM PROPS, RAIN FORESTS, MUSIC AND RECORDS, BATS AND BALLS...CONSUMERS ARE LOOKING FOR FUN MORE THAN THEY ARE A GOOD MEAL. THAT'S WHY EATERTAINMENT IS THE RESTAURANT INDUSTRY'S HOTTEST SEGMENT

In downtown Nashville, the thermometer climbs toward 100 degrees as the swooning crowd swells to more than 40,000, all straining to catch a glimpse--maybe a word, even an autograph!--of one of the celebrities scheduled to appear. A country-music concert at the fabled Ryman Auditorium? Hardly. They are far too cool in Nashville to get excited about mere music legends. No, this is the opening of a restaurant.

Granted, Planet Hollywood is not your average hash house. As the stars step from their limos and navigate the red carpet, the crowds erupt in full frenzy. "I absolutely have to see Bruce Willis!"...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!