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Mel’s Drive-In Refurb

  • Thread starter Thread starter v0latilebear
  • Start date Start date Nov 29, 2023
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v0latilebear

v0latilebear

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  • Nov 29, 2023
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I searched and couldn't find a post. Does anyone know what all is involved with the Mel's refurb? Seems pretty extensive for how long it has been down. How different will it be when it reopens?
 
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UniversalRBLX

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v0latilebear said:
I searched and couldn't find a post. Does anyone know what all is involved with the Mel's refurb? Seems pretty extensive for how long it has been down. How different will it be when it reopens?
Click to expand...
It wasn't in the best condition with seats in disrepair, etc. I hope we're finally getting backend improvements to the ordering (& mobile order) system to improve efficiency at QSRs.
 
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OrlandoGuy

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My exterminator told me their team was working a big project at a restaurant in Universal…he couldn’t remember the name but this was back in May. Maybe baseless speculation from an untrusted source but I’m going with termite issue piling onto the standard refresh timeline.
 
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Clive

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Sooner or later, a restaurant that's been running for more than three decades is going to need a top-to-bottom overhaul. It's Mel's turn.
 
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UniversalRBLX

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Looks like Mel's new menu will feature hot dogs now (photo from Attractions Magazine)
1708463478280.png
 
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SeventyOne

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Clive said:
Sooner or later, a restaurant that's been running for more than three decades is going to need a top-to-bottom overhaul. It's Mel's turn.
Click to expand...
Lombards and Alcatraz are next.
 
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Nick

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SeventyOne said:
Lombards and Alcatraz are next.
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I wouldn't be surprised if Lombards goes down after Spring break.
 
Brian G.

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SeventyOne said:
Lombards and Alcatraz are next.
Click to expand...

Hope it keeps it's 90s classy aesthetic. :lol:
 
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SeventyOne

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Brian G. said:
Hope it keeps it's 90s classy aesthetic. :lol:
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Personally I hope for a real indoor bar, but you know me. ;)
 
UniversalRBLX

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I wonder what happens to Cafe La Bamba after this reopens as it was mainly reopened to replace capacity? Tribute Store Bar? Cafe La Bamba doesn't really have much demand even on the busiest days.

Also, UPNT was able to take a few photos of the menu, looks the same as before with hot dogs now on the menu. Nothing to write about, but every US park needs one "safe" option.
 
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Mad Dog

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UniversalRBLX said:
I wonder what happens to Cafe La Bamba after this reopens as it was mainly reopened to replace capacity? Tribute Store Bar? Cafe La Bamba doesn't really have much demand even on the busiest days.

Also, UPNT was able to take a few photos of the menu, looks the same as before with hot dogs now on the menu. Nothing to write about, but every US park needs one "safe" option.
Click to expand...
Sure. Glad they kept the previous menu, plus the dog additions. Mel's, and the era it represents, were about burgers, fries, root beer floats, so it's important they kept it. Otherwise, Mel's wouldn't be Mel's.
 
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TheCodeMan95

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UniversalRBLX said:
I wonder what happens to Cafe La Bamba after this reopens as it was mainly reopened to replace capacity? Tribute Store Bar? Cafe La Bamba doesn't really have much demand even on the busiest days.

Also, UPNT was able to take a few photos of the menu, looks the same as before with hot dogs now on the menu. Nothing to write about, but every US park needs one "safe" option.
Click to expand...
I'm interested to see that as well. I wanted to try La Bamba during our last trip but we didn't have the chance. I always assumed La Bamba was opened to replace the capacity of Monsters Cafe though, lol
 
Jwhee

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UniversalRBLX said:
I wonder what happens to Cafe La Bamba after this reopens as it was mainly reopened to replace capacity? Tribute Store Bar? Cafe La Bamba doesn't really have much demand even on the busiest days.

Also, UPNT was able to take a few photos of the menu, looks the same as before with hot dogs now on the menu. Nothing to write about, but every US park needs one "safe" option.
Click to expand...

La Bamba has been used for years as the restaurant for the VIP tours
 
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UniversalRBLX

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Jwhee said:
La Bamba has been used for years as the restaurant for the VIP tours
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Would be a shame if they close it up again for VIP. It's a nice building to rest and take a brake from the sun.
 
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Mad Dog said:
Sure. Glad they kept the previous menu, plus the dog additions. Mel's, and the era it represents, were about burgers, fries, root beer floats, so it's important they kept it. Otherwise, Mel's wouldn't be Mel's.
Click to expand...
Eh, given how much Uni's fast food offerings have been improving, I was hoping for one or two more interesting options.
 
IzzyB

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Casper Gutman said:
Eh, given how much Uni's fast food offerings have been improving, I was hoping for one or two more interesting options.
Click to expand...
It is a diner at a theme park, what interesting items would you do? Not every place has to have odd offerings.
 
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Nico

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I’m a big fan of hot dogs, so I’m pretty jazzed lol.
 
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GAcoaster

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I've always thought Mels was fine for quick serve. It's exactly what it's supposed to be-- burgers, chicken fingers, fries, shakes. pie. Hot dogs are a great addition though.
 
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Jwhee

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I think the order on the phone system is complicated and unnecessary

There’s been times that I’ve been told at the door at La Bamba that the food would take an hour. Flooding the kitchen with the phone orders?

Only pro I’ve seen with the phone ordering is that the line to order at the register is really short ;)
 
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Mad Dog

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Jwhee said:
I think the order on the phone system is complicated and unnecessary

There’s been times that I’ve been told at the door at La Bamba that the food would take an hour. Flooding the kitchen with the phone orders?

Only pro I’ve seen with the phone ordering is that the line to order at the register is really short ;)
Click to expand...
Yes, it just adds unnecessary layers to what should be an uncomplicated process. After all, fast food has traditionally been fast at fast food restaurants just about everywhere. It's, bottom line, a very simple process. Why complicate it?
 
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