New Yorkers will soon be able to experience the popular Rainforest Cafe firsthand, as it opens on the 86th floor of the Empire State Building in early October. The opening comes after ESB management jokingly teased a Big Apple location in an April Fool’s prank earlier this year. The pop-up event will run from Thursday, October 3 through Sunday, October 6, featuring limited edition Rainforest Cafe merchandise and special food offerings.
The Rainforest Cafe was created by Queens native Steven Schussler in 1994 at the Mall of America near Minneapolis. The restaurant quickly gained fame for its animatronic animals, glowing fish tanks, waterfalls, and tropical scenery. Schussler initially tested his concept by building a $400,000 mock rainforest in his own home, complete with real waterfalls, tropical birds, tortoises, iguanas, and even a baboon.
Over the years, Rainforest Cafe locations have faced significant closures, with only 23 remaining open today. The brand is owned by Landry’s Inc., which also operates popular chains such as Morton’s Steak House, Bubba Gump Shrimp, and Joe’s Crab Shack. Despite its struggles, Rainforest Cafe continues to enjoy a nostalgic following online, with the adorable mascot Cha! Cha! amassing nearly 83,000 followers on Instagram.
