Rainforest Café Uproots For More Temperate MOA Location
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) - The fake trees and shrubbery of the Mall of America Rainforest Café will be felled later this month and replanted in the mall's canopy.
Rainforest Café's first-floor location will close on Jan. 18, and workers (lumberjacks, presumably) will begin clearing space on the mall's third floor, near Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Rainforest Café is scheduled to come back to life in the fall, according to a press release from Landry's Inc., which also owns Bubba Gump.
For those unfamiliar with Minnesota's slice of rain forest, the release describes the restaurant's gimmick as an "adventure-themed concept" that "features an untamed paradise brimming with natural wonders, tropical treats and an array of merchandise from around the world."
Landry's promises that when the restaurant reopens, it will once again serve as home to "all of the beloved state-of-the-art animal creatures and special effects, including Tracy the Talking Tree."
Employees will be placed at other Landry's businesses during Rainforest Café's hiatus.
"We were presented with the opportunity to relocate Rainforest Café to a prime location within the Mall of America," said Rainforest Café's chief operating officer Keith Beitler in a statement. "We look forward to serving our loyal patrons and tourists this fall."