Chain Theme Restaurants Key Terms

Be in the know when you visit chain theme restaurants by learning the lingo

By Paul Hirsch

While food and service are always important, chain theme restaurants offer something more - a unique sensory experience. For example, ESPN Zone offers sports television coverage and games, Planet Hollywood offers entertainment memorabilia, Hard Rock Café trades on rock and roll nostalgia, and Chuck E. Cheese specializes in kiddie games and puppet shows designed to delight toddlers.

To better understand chain theme restaurants you should familiarize yourself with some different restaurants as well as the key terms associated with the industry.

Nostalgia

Nostalgia is a yearning for the past, often a past seen in a highly favorable light. Chain theme restaurants like Planet Hollywood and Hard Rock Cafe cash in on nostalgia, as do diner style theme restaurants like Johnny Rockets which aim for a general setting that recalls days gone by.
Try: The power of nostalgic themes for chain restaurants is captured in this BNET article about a 1950s themed McDonald's.

Memorabilia

Memorabilia is artifacts that relate to famous people or events. Examples might be Mick Jagger's guitar, Babe Ruth's bat, or Judy Garland's ruby red slippers from the Wizard of Oz.
Try: Las Vegas may be the worldwide capitol of memorabilia-oriented theme restaurants. Reviews and descriptions are available in the LA Times.

Franchising

The chain theme restaurant business is usually based on a franchising model. Those without experience operating franchises should understand the benefits and limitations before getting started.
Try: The 19 most commonly asked questions regarding franchising are captured at the International Franchise Association (IFA). These make for a good litmus test for potential franchisees.

Planet Hollywood

Planet Hollywood is one of the most popular themed chains in the world and has been since its beginning in 1991. The restaurant was originally backed by many stars including Bruce Willis, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone. It offers customers an inside look into Hollywood with movie and actor memorabilia.
Try: See photos of Planet Hollywood restaurants at the official website.

Hard Rock Cafe

Another popular themed restaurant is the Hard Rock Cafe, which focuses on American Rock 'N' Roll as its theme. It opened in 1971 and has grown world-wide, offering customers music memorabilia that rotates between locations, including instruments, hand-written lyrics, posters and more.
Try: Get more information about the Hard Rock Cafe chain from the website.

Rainforest Cafe

Rainforest Cafe offers a jungle theme to its patrons. The restaurant is set up like a rainforest with animals, volcanoes, deserts and more.
Try: Rainforest Cafe provides more information on the chain on the website.