Lawrenceville.Talk

By Pam

July 5, 2006 07:32 AM | Link to this

I think it will survive if they do a good job of promoting it. Lawrenceville is not TOO far of a drive from other metro cities that have the income levels to support this. It’s definitely unique and I think it will peak everyone’s curiosity.

I live in Lawrenceville and will definitely dine there.

By Joe Camp

July 5, 2006 07:40 AM | Link to this

We will see. They will need to put on one heck of a show. Here’s my one minute B.A. (business analysis). Pros: 1) They are “one of a kind” as nothing of the type exists in this area. 2) The Gwinnett Arena is down the street. I live nearby and I figure that there is a big event once per week, on average. Plus, the hotels in the area seem to stay pretty full. 3) Their target market, which, I imagine to be families with income $70K to $150K is plentiful in the area. CONS: 1) The mall (Discover Mills) seems to be frequented primarily by kids who have been dropped off for the mall security guys to baby sit. 2) There is no tourist base in the area (as mentioned above). 3) Revenue may wane as the novelty of the place wears off. This restaurant could become a “seen it, done that” once-per-family phenomenon. Summary: I predict strong initial results, contingent upon initial performance. They HAVE to get it right from the opening act forward. I then predict that after the first year, revenues will decline some. However, if they get it right, I predict that they will see strong results. The real key will be filling the seats. Everyone, form the key performers to customers will suffer some dismay to a lightly packed house. On the flipside, a line at the door will create a buzz. OVERALL: I predict that revenues will be OK, but overall not as strong as the Florida location. Perhaps, a better site would have been within one block of the Aquarium.

By krystal g

July 5, 2006 09:29 AM | Link to this

I definitely think they will survive. Talk spreads and everyone allready knows about it. Gwinnett County is thriving and I believe Medieval Times is here to stay. The castle is eye catching and evryone will want to dine there. I have been to the one in Kissimmee several times, and if they can start with a great performance there should be no problems with business.

By Professor Marvel

July 5, 2006 10:40 AM | Link to this

It will open well and then flop, flop, flop. Name one MT located in a non-tourist destination. Definitely a been there/done that novelty for locals.

One year, and the place will be shuttered.

By Pam

July 5, 2006 10:52 AM | Link to this

I think a Medieval Times within 40 miles of tourist destinations (Aquarium, World of Coca Cola, Centennial Park, MLK History Center) is close enough to be considered CLOSE to a tourist destination. The same reason people stay in Kissimee/St. Cloud instead of Orlando (less expensive lodging and a safer feeling than being in the city).

In fact, Gwinnett’s hotels may have a surge in business because you can stay near great shopping, an Arena and Medieval Times and then drive about 45 minutes to the tourist area of Atlanta. Families don’t like to stay at pricey hotels with kids.

For those that plan to stay in the ATL for their visit, Medieval Times is right off the interstate, so I’m sure visitors wouldn’t mind driving up to dine this way. They won’t be too far to come back to the ATL.

By Johnny Friendly

July 5, 2006 11:29 AM | Link to this

There are not enough wealthy locals willing to spend the hefty admission on a repeat basis to insure the profitability of such an establishment. Oh, to be sure, they will one-and-done it, but they won’t return in sufficient numbers.

And, the lack of tourist traffic will doom it eventually, if not sooner.

The “attractions” in downtown Atlanta (save the GA AQ) are laughingstocks of epic proportions, so anyone who thinks that throngs will make the artery-clogged trip to the whitebread ‘burbs to view a novelty attraction that appeals to assorted phonies & morons is surely smokin’ some potent hashish.

By Jill

July 5, 2006 11:58 AM | Link to this

I remember people saying the same thing about Gwinnett Arena and high-profile concerts. “They will never drive out to Gwinnett to see big acts,” “The money is not there.” Now Gwinnett Arena has booked many big ticket acts and they have all SOLD OUT! I think that the same people that will pay big money and drive out to Gwinnett for entertainment, will do the same for Medieval Times…it’s entertainment too.

Why are we always negative when it comes to something big and great coming to Gwinnett? If we keep catering to one audience, we won’t ever become the great place that Gwinnett should strive to be.

Medieval Times, you are welcome and I’ll definitely support you not only once, but I’ll also take my visiting family and friends.

By Jack Welch

July 5, 2006 01:34 PM | Link to this

Only someone who has either never been to a real concert venue or who is fundamentally dishonest (or deluded) would brag about Gwinnett Arena. Gwinnett couldn’t even keep an Arena league football team.

This Joust gyp-joint will draw crowds for a couple of months, then it will turn into a mausoleum. Rich people will waste money, but they won’t do it repeatedly. And, tourists will stay away in droves from this silly suburban moat. Within a year, MT corp. HQ will close the doors, and it will join many other empty spots at ugly Discover Mills.

By Logical Dude

July 5, 2006 02:04 PM | Link to this

Since I have not even heard about Medieval Times coming to Gwinnett, I think they need better advertising to get people to even KNOW they are there. Then it is up to the food and show to keep people coming back. Other restaurants with high-end cuisine routinely charge $50 a meal.
I would need a coupon to go the first time, too. I can get a joust at the Renaissance Faire every year for less.

By Vanderbilt

July 5, 2006 03:18 PM | Link to this

Chicken that you have to eat with your fingers isn’t “high end cuisine,” Dude. Moreover, the ordinary masses of people don’t expend that kind of money per person on a regular basis. This place seats 1000 people. 200 employees. 22 horses. They have to have a LOT of customers — for every show. And, sorry Budget-Dude, but this place isn’t for a coupon-clipping clientele.

By Adam the Apathetic

July 5, 2006 09:24 PM | Link to this

Thank God it’s not in Underground!!! Otherwise, Ye faire taxpayers would have to bail it out! Where’s Robin the Hood when you need him? This gig won’t make it. The nerds that get into this stuff will be working there, not paying patrons. The only sustainable entertainment industry in this town is exotic. Put it Cheshire Bridge Road with less costumage and you’ve got a thriving business.

By King of England

July 5, 2006 10:36 PM | Link to this

Ha Ha Ha, LOL… I went to Midieval Times in Orlando, FL several years ago. It was the biggest waste of time and money ever. The show was dreadful, the food sucked, and the “grog” ie. beer/wine was worse than horse urine could ever be… Good Luck! Wishing you all the Best.

By Staying Put

July 5, 2006 11:57 PM | Link to this

I currently work at a restaurant at the Mall of Ga but live closer to Discover Mills. I considered applying at MT but decided I couldn’t afford to risk not knowing if the place would still be successful after a couple months. I hope it does well, but I think like most people who live here, I’ll go once and that’s probably it. Gwinnett County is a nice place to visit and if this helps bring more people to our county that’s good for us. They can come eat at my restaurant for half the cost, drink a superb craft beer, and they can even use utensils too!

By Andy

July 7, 2006 11:44 AM | Link to this

Without a doubt this is the worst city for an attraction like this. Too pricey for the locals and to far from Atl. for tourists.Discover Mills is Far from what it was supposed to be.Better luck somewhere else.

By kim

July 7, 2006 12:17 PM | Link to this

Our sons, ages 11 and 12, went to the Medieval Times in Chicago a few months ago. They loved it! There was a great storyline, lots of action and no complaints about the food. They also stated that the majority of patrons were adults and seemed to be having a fantastic time. I liked the fact that our kids not only learned a few things about this period in history, but actually felt like they were there! I hope Medieval Times does well.

By Sober

July 7, 2006 10:00 PM | Link to this

The only way that this MT (which, BTW, still needs a lot of work on the exterior) will prove viable in the long term is if it marketed as a ‘destination’ in an of itself, rather than a component of an existing destination such as Hollywood or Disneyworld. Gwinnett is overflowing with wealthy residents who can well afford $50 per person, but it’s doubtful that these well-heeled individuals will provide enough patronage alone to sustain the operation.

By penguinmom

July 9, 2006 04:55 PM | Link to this

While I could wish that Medieval Times was cheaper it’s right in line with the other locations around the country. Yes, it’s not at a ‘tourist location’ but it’s not horribly far from several.
They are already planning slightly cheaper matinee shows and they will have the same reading club that some of the other locations do (free tickets for reading so many books). Hopefully, some local schools will pick up on that and join the reading club.
We went to the small festival they had at Discover Mills recently. My kids were awestruck by the princess and the sword fighting. I doubt they will be satisfied with visiting only once. To me, anyone who can afford those absurd aquarium year pass prices, can certainly afford to visit Medieval Times.

By Gretchen

July 10, 2006 05:25 PM | Link to this

As a newly hired Princess, I certainly hope MT is here to stay! I have seen the progress on the castle, and it will be MORE than worth the public’s time and money. The show has been well cast and promises a good night’s entertainment. Medieval Times will help our area boom, as it has been bursting to do for quite some time.

Come see the opening in August!

By Realworld

July 11, 2006 02:48 AM | Link to this

In a city in which the pitiful whining over the price of aquarium passes is so loud (and persistent) that it exterminated several million mosquitoes, does anyone really believe that a high-priced novelty attraction is going to be a commercially viable entity? Lord, how you insufferable soccer moms really need to shove a sock in it! The entire planet does not revolve around the bleated “needs” of your precious little whelps.

By Gretchen

July 12, 2006 10:27 AM | Link to this

I lied. The the opening is in JULY. COme see the success for yourselves, ye of little faith!

By martin

July 12, 2006 03:24 PM | Link to this

I’ll be there Sunday night! I wanted to attend a show in Baltimore, but couldn’t get reservations during my stay. :(

2 Adult Royalty and 2 Child Royalty!
See you Sunday at 6, Gretchen!!! :D

By Rex

July 13, 2006 12:02 AM | Link to this

If you define “success” as big crowds when it first opens, then yea, verily, the curious crack-pots will throng to Atlanta’s ugliest mall. But, princess Gretch, how standeth the attendance figures when winter’s chill kisses suburban monstrosity, prithee?

By Gretchen

July 13, 2006 11:15 AM | Link to this

I am certain we will slow, no doubt, when the big rush at the beginning has waned. But we are already booked through the next 5 months. The first month may be slower, because we are opening earlier than expected. But this gives the cast a bit of a chance to ease in to it. …oh, and by % -pots” do you mean people who share my “geeky” interest of the past? Don’t be so quick to judge, my friend. One of the reasons I look forward to this so much is because of those geeks. They are some of the most genuine, kindest people I have encountered. To all my FELLOW geeks: can’t wait to see you there, loves!

By queen marie

July 13, 2006 05:26 PM | Link to this

well i need to no what rich people eat im confussed loads can you help me ?