What Went Wrong For A 1990s Themed American Restaurant Now Down To 22 Locations - Tasting Table

"At its peak, the jungle-themed eatery had over 40 locations. Nowadays, there are only 22 remaining Rainforest Cafes where foodies can still get a taste of the beloved phenomenon - but it's a far cry from the chain's technicolor heyday."

"When the Rainforest Cafe opened its first official location inside the wondrous Mall of America in October 1994, it cost $1,000 per square foot to construct due to the densely detailed, functional decor. Fans waited in line for hours at a time to get a table."

"The first-ever iteration of the eatery was constructed by electrical engineer Steve Schussler inside of his own 3,000-square-foot home in a Minneapolis suburb, complete with custom-made rock formations made from concrete, two 600-gallon fish tanks, a greenhouse filled with butterflies, robotic gorillas, two 150-pound tortoises, and a full-sized waterfall feature."

Rainforest Cafe emerged as a pioneering experiential restaurant concept in the 1990s, featuring elaborate jungle theming with animatronic animals, simulated weather effects, and safari-dressed servers. Created by electrical engineer Steve Schussler in his Minneapolis home, the concept required significant investment before finding backing. The first official location opened at Mall of America in October 1994, costing $1,000 per square foot to construct. Initial success saw rapid expansion to six locations within three years, each generating substantial annual revenue. However, the chain's ambitious all-out concept proved difficult to sustain financially, leading to a dramatic decline from its peak of over 40 locations to only 22 remaining today.

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