Why pro wrestling and food? What is this strange desire and when will it end? Will we someday see a Mideon & Viscera’s German Deli? Or a hamburger stand called Kamala's Kitchen?
Who knows. Bottom line is, the concept of a pro wrestling eatery has been tried in Atlanta, New York City, Las Vegas and uh... whatever town the Mall Of America is in.
Well, as they say, DINNER IS SERVED:
WWF New York 1999-2003
It was a bizarre time in American history. Professional wrestling was so big, that the WWF opened their own theme restaurant. But, they didn't open the restaurant in some mall in Ohio. They opened it in Times Square.
A Brief History of Times Square:
Long before it became common practice to name EVERY stadium in the country after a brand of shampoo, this intersection was named for the New York Times.
This concept sent shockwaves across the nation leading to Utah's...
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Pastamania! 1995-1996
On Labor Day 1995 the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota welcomed its newest eatery: Hulk Hogan's Pastamania!.
The Mall of America opened in 1992 and is the largest shopping and entertainment complex in the WORLD (take that Gupreets' Camel-a-rama in downtown Libya!)
The mall is host to hundreds of shops and attractions including Camp Snoopy.
Camp Snoopy is an indoor theme park with over 30 rides and seven acres of fun. That's 4.5 acres more fun than...
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The WCW Nitro Grill 1999-2000
1999 was a good year to be a pro wrestling fan. The Rock and Mick Foley wrestled as the 'Rock and Sock Connection', the 'Mean Street Posse' faded away and for a brief shining moment fans could choose from TWO wrestling themed restaurants.
The WWF New York restaurant in Pittsburgh (just wanted to see if you were paying attention) and the WCW Nitro Grill.
It seems only right that the two federations would have competing eateries. At the time they competed EVERYWHERE. On Thursday night the WWF presented Smackdown! and the WCW presented Thursday Night Thunder. On Mondays it was WWF's Raw Is War against WCW Monday Nitro.
So, it was only logical to make the restaurant an extension...
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Abdullah the Butcher House of Ribs & Chinese Food 1994-Present
Abdullah the Butcher, hardly a household name, but a legend in pro wrestling circuits. Abdullah was famous for his crazy, blood soaked matches. He was known to bring a fork into the ring and use it to carve up his opponent.
Today, in addition to a light touring schedule, he runs Abdullah the Butcher House of Ribs & Chinese Food.
Just west of I-285 in Atlanta, the restaurant is a cafe setting with photos of the Abdullah hung on the walls. In addition, two of his title belts also hang in the dining area. But, the best part about the restaurant is Abdullah.
On most days Abdullah sits in the dining area and answers questions and poses for photos. Think about that! That would be like going to Burger King and seeing...
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