Eatin at the Po!nt

Here is to prove we've got way too much time on our hands.

Returning home from CP my hubby and I were talking about the restaurants at CP and how it seems smart business having "name brand" restaurants in the park. (IE: Johnny Rockets, TGIFs, and Famous Daves)

What we then were trying to figure out is how CP goes about doing that. Are those restaurants franchises and CP just "buys" their share? Or does CP have to share their profit with the specific restaurant chain? We all know that the waiters/waitresses all have CP name tags on so I know CP pays those employees. I know of other parks (SFGrtAdv) that has a Nathans (yummy :)) and McDonalds in the park.

Do those restaurants at CP charge the same for their food INSIDE CP they do normally or is it more?
It would also seem to me that CP makes most of their food profit by their own stands and restaurants, common sense would tell you that by sheer volume alone. Which may explain why all their eating places aren't named brand places.

I know someone here knows the right answer to the questions!! :)
Look I asked a stupid question and it isn't even off season yet!!! ;)

Jo
'00 '02 '03 Raptor Crew
Lifetime Raptor flights: 1006 :)

i assume cp just started the restaurants as franchises...so they can use the name.

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LuvRaptor said:
Do those restaurants at CP charge the same for their food INSIDE CP they do normally or is it more?

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Yes, they do charge more for food inside Cedar Point. Cedar Point has to pay a franchise like TGIF for their restaraunt to be inside CP, then they need to charge more than usual for the food so that CP can make a profit as well as TGIF.

The restaurants are owned and operated by CP, they just buy a franchise for whatever they want. I don't know the details of the franchise, but I would assume that the contract reads like any contract for a franchise opened for a given establishment.

As for prices, I don't know, but TGIF at both Breakers and Castaway Bay seems similar to what I pay at a Cleveland TGIF.

All I know is that Johnny Rockets costs more than an outside franchise, and the service is about ten times as bad. That place is a disgrace.

The Breakers Friday's is about a buck more a plate on average than the one in Strongsville near me.

I agree Jeff, Johnny Rockets is a joke. Especially, that bad music dancing show. I would be mad if I needed something and my waiter or waitress was out there dancing to 70's music for a show with non-paying customers. Of course I only ate their once and then took a vow never to return... *** Edited 9/23/2004 8:28:47 PM UTC by Fastball84***

I was stupid enough to get poor service and go back twice. Last fall was the last time though. Nobody cares when you complain, including managers and area supervisors. It's fairly representative of the foods department in general in recent years (with the notable exception being the Famous Dave's crew).

I think Famous Daves is one of the better places at Cedar Point and the staff there is really nice to,

I enjoy the TGI Friday's in the Breakers, especially when you stay at the hotel, its very convenient to wrap up your day in the park at the bar when your room is right upstairs. The bar tables are in a great location (beach view). But the prices are quite higher than other locations. Some menu items are $3 more at the Breakers TGIF than at other locations, what happened to Great Northern Mall's location btw? Tried to stop in recently and it was an empty space.

I thought the Great Northern location was temporarily closed while the new mall extension was being built. I could be wrong.

I’ve heard that all of that goofy dancing at Johnny Rockets is to help the kitchen crew get caught up with the orders

I don't know the situation at CP for sure. But at Geauga Lake we had franchises that were both operated by the park and outside groups. In fact some in the industry felt that outsourcing Food Service was the way to go. After all the park then doesn't have to worry about hiring and training staff, or bringing in the stock or equipment. On top of that the leasee has to pay rent that includes a cut of gross or profit.

On the other hand i have always believed that it is more profitable for a park to run their own operation and to stay away from the brand names. After all everyone knows what a TGIFridays is or a Johnny Rockets, so if you mess it up everyone knows ;) But seriously, proper management and quality food will lead to happier guest more willing to part with their hard earned money, name recognition or not.

The best way to eat at CP is to hop in your car, drive 6 miles and come to the resturant capitol (sp.) of the world, Milan Rd. *** Edited 9/25/2004 5:46:52 PM UTC by Fastball84***

I think TGIF is a great place to get away sometimes. Although the food is a little higher, I know the money is going to a good cause (yea right). But the food has always been good there. I also like staying in the Breakers and finishing the day there! Then you can stagger up to your room and go to sleep!

Breakwater cafe? They were good they have gone to hell in the last few years however

I love East of Chicago pizza!

as far as inside the park goes though I am a big Boardwalk Fries fan (under the Corkscrew)

East of Chicago is great, only downfall is leaving the park to get lunch there. Then having to find another parking spot. I know a lot of people that like Midway Market, but I hated the fact the serving staff was reluctant to give refills. I'm hot and thirsty and I expect to get my money's worth! I loved Famous Dave's, best deal in the park as far as I'm concerned. I got an appetizer and couldn't even finish it, there was so much food! TGI Fridays is good also at the breakers, a nice relaxing place to go for lunch. A new tradition now with my friends though is instead of the midway market we go to Ryan's Steakhouse. We love the sweet tea, and always get our fill. Plus its on the way home.

If I have to eat in the park, I go to the Game Day Grill. I've always been pretty pleased with the staff there. The food is okay, but I still prefer to eat off property. Not only is it cheaper, but I generally get food that is the correct temperature, not lukewarm or room temp.

The only thing I always bring money for is a cream cheese pretzel over by Magnum. If it weren't for my one friend who introduced me to them back in July...I'd not have quite so much weight to lose in the offseason... ;)

Laura *** Edited 11/18/2004 9:47:22 PM UTC by raptorgrl***