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We lost a lot of good restaurants during the pandemic. We also lost Planet Hollywood.
First opened in New York back in 2001, the global restaurant chain brought us kitschy Hollywood glamour until its closure in 2020 due to the pandemic. But as of today, its iconic marquee is on and lit: welcome to the new Planet Hollywood.
Landing back in Times Square (cause where else would it be), Planet Hollywood is now open as of today. Thanks to a $20 million investment, the new 17,500-square-foot facility touts three floors with restaurants, multiple bars, DJ booths and all the entertainment. Signaling that times are truly changing, the new eatery no longer has the movie memorabilia that once defined it. Instead, the restaurant has decided to keep up with the modern world by banking it all on technology. Massive screens are mounted to the ceilings, the floor and, in one room, encases the entire dining room. On play: old Hollywood scenes, soundscapes and interactive elements for a full sensory experience.
"We're relaunching Planet Hollywood in Times Square not just as a restaurant but as an all-encompassing sensory experience that magnificently combines innovative technology with the unique flair of Hollywood," said Robert Earl, Founder and CEO of Planet Hollywood and Earl Enterprises, in a press release. "This venue is poised to deliver exceptional entertainment and dining in the spirit of New York's celebrated theatrical grandeur."
As for the food, Planet Hollywood balances a bit of new with a bit of the old. Starters include Cheesesteak Empanadas and Prime Rib Sliders, while mains range from an All-American Double Smash Cheeseburger to the NY Strip Steak. For those of us feeling nostalgic, Planet Hollywood has brought back some of its faves from the old days. Dubbed “1993 Icons,” you can find items from its initial debut menu, including the World-Famous Chicken Crunch (aka chicken tenders) and a fried lasagna found in the L.A. Lasagna.
Speaking of food, the building also houses other restaurant concepts, including Guy Fieri’s latest fast-casual ode to fried chicken, Chicken Guy!.The third-floor houses a ghost kitchen, according to Eater, that produces delivery-only brands backed by famous faces, including Italian subs from Jersey Shore’s Pauly D and MrBeast Burger from YouTuber Jimmy Donaldson.