Take-Two Interactive shuts down unofficial GTA-themed pop-up restaurant.
Take-Two Interactive shuts down unofficial GTA-themed pop-up restaurant.
Rockstar’s Parent Company Puts a Stop to GTA-Themed Restaurant Shenanigans
It seems that the folks over at Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Rockstar Games, have crashed the party of an unofficial GTA-themed restaurant called Smokin’ J’s BBQ. These dedicated fans had big plans for a second GTA-themed event at San Diego Comic-Con, but Take-Two had other ideas.
Last year, Smokin’ J’s BBQ opened their very own Cluckin’ Bell, a beloved fast food joint found in multiple GTA games, and it was a huge hit. This year, they wanted to take things up a notch and also open a Burger Shot restaurant. Sounds epic, right? Well, not according to Take-Two.
Apparently, these gaming gurus weren’t too thrilled about the use of their license without permission, so they sent Smokin’ J’s BBQ a cease and desist letter. Talk about a buzzkill. But fear not, my friends, because the smart and sassy team at Smokin’ J’s BBQ isn’t giving up so easily.
While they had to scrap the Burger Shot event, they’re still going ahead with a Cluckin’ Bell type installation. However, they’re turning it into a spoof called ‘Don’t Cluckin’ Tell.’ It’s a spoof of a spoof restaurant – oh, the irony! But hey, if they can’t have the real thing, might as well have some fun with it, right?
Last year’s Cluckin’ Bell event was a sight to behold. They really went all out, decking the place out with GTA-themed decorations, a menu straight out of the game (Sprunk, anyone?), and even a poster of Trevor Philips with a ‘Do Not Serve’ warning. It was pure GTA magic, but sadly, it was a one-time thing.
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The original plan for the Burger Shot event sounded even more exciting. Alongside the eCola and Orang-O-Tang on the menu, they were going to offer limited edition toy cars, yoga mats, and uniforms. These guys are definitely true GTA fans through and through.
Before the cease and desist bombshell dropped, the co-owner of Smokin’ J’s BBQ expressed their excitement about bringing GTA-lovers, Comic-Con attendees, and San Diego locals together for a unique video game-inspired experience. It’s a shame that their original plans had to be scrapped, but we’re eagerly waiting to see what creative shenanigans they come up with instead.
In the meantime, if you’re craving some GTA action, check out our list of games that can keep you entertained until the highly anticipated GTA 6 eventually releases. Who knows, maybe a real-life GTA-themed restaurant will be in the cards for the future. Until then, let the digital mayhem continue!
