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Non-Tech : RAINFOREST CAFE -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Rusti H who wrote (3634)	12/18/1997 12:29:00 AM
From: Dennis Vail	Respond to of 4704

Hi Rusti Moe!! Here's an article from the Las Vegas Sun on todays opening of the MGM Grand RFC: December 16, 1997 Columnist Muriel Stevens: Las Vegas the perfect climate for new Rainforest Cafe MURIEL STEVENS, SUN food and travel editor, keeps an eye on the Las Vegas scene. Her column appears Tuesdays and Fridays. She can be reached on the Internet at muriel@lasvegassun.com. --- What does it take to come up with a winning chain of themed restaurants? More than 10 years ago, Rainforest Cafe founder Steven Schussler developed the idea and tested the concept by gutting his home in Minneapolis and building the prototype. No word on what the neighbors thought when he created the home version, right down to the waterfalls, thunderstorms, vegetation and wild animals. The idea was a timely one. It became reality when he found a team of investors willing to make his dream come true. The first Rainforest Cafe opened in the Mall of the Americas, in Minneapolis, in 1994. Thursday, at the MGM Grand, the 12th Rainforest Cafe will debut. It's quite a concept. The MGM Cafe is one of the largest in the chain and has the highest ceiling of all. At more than 40 feet it allows for some remarkable special effects. All of the Rainforest signature effects are in place and more. Nine live, domestically-bred Amazon parrots (second and third generation) interact freely. The birds are not trained, they are not performers, they eat at will and are cared for "as if they were children." A stroll through the animal habitat area, upstairs, (not open to the public) is convincing. Airlines take note. The air is changed 25 times every hour. The birds shower every day in water that simulates the jungle climate. Close by is a "hospital" with fish tanks used to acclimate the new fish and to treat any that are ailing. A curator and a staff of four animal technicians see to all their needs. A slew of realistic elephants, gorillas, leopards, birds and butterflies enhance the faux rain forest environment. The retail shop showcases a talking tree, complete with a slithering, talking python, Julius Squeezer; and a crocodile pond filled with the scary reptiles. Not to worry -- kids love it. Visually, the Cafe is a marvel of natural and simulated effects that are a delight. The kitchen was not yet in place when I previewed the Cafe, but the menu is interesting. The expected appetizers, sandwiches, salads, burgers, pastas, entrees and desserts are all there, and there are some original dishes. For some reason the menu I received did not list prices, but I was told they're moderate. Rainforest Cafe offers free educational programs to school children both on and off the premises. These "safaris" are also offered to any adult or group that wants one. There is no charge. Call the Cafe for additional information. Rainforest Cafe hours are: 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday; 10:30 a.m.-1 a.m. Monday-Thursday; 10:30 a.m.-2 a.m. Friday and Saturday. No reservations. (end repost) My thanks on clearing up the daylight at the equator question. MXWL is still in great shape but I'm not sure whcih document you're refering too. The 10Q perchance? About thge only thing I don't like is that they want to provide for more options for management. I think they've already rewarded management handsomely as it is, Regards, Dennis