Emeril's CityWalk Replacement

[shiekra38]

Yeah, I got nothing on this one folks haha

I'm still hoping for something like Morimoto somewhere in Citywalk

 

[Andysol]

Not sure where to put this, but the old Chef of Tchoup chop who took over Emerils executive chef position after Tchoup closed down is now at STK in Disney Springs. I haven’t found out where the GM of emerils landed yet, but planning on swinging by STK to give it an updated tasting here in about 10 days.

Rough year with a lot of bouncing around, so hopefully he has a nice stable spot now, as he’s incredibly talented.

 

[Bobharlem]

Emeril did a video series with several of the central Florida restaurants last year.

He visited STK


(And other disney springs and winter park/restaurant row restaurants.

 

[Sithina]

Are restaurants with famous chefs still popular in Orlando? Does Disney Springs have a lot of them? Universal seems to be moving away from the big Food Network-famous chefs (or even well-known restaurant brands) in favor of its own unique options (or partnering with unique restaurants to bring a location down to Orlando, as with Voodoo & Cowfish), and that strategy seems to be working well for them. Is Emeril's (either location, either CW or RP) a big loss for Universal?

 

[bob albert]

I don't know how much of a pull tv chefs will have in the future. YouTube is taking over the niche travel and food video market.

 

[Brian G.]

I don't know how much of a pull tv chefs will have in the future. YouTube is taking over the niche travel and food video market.

TV Chefs usually don't just come from outta nowhere. They have established themselves in restaurants and such.

Are restaurants with famous chefs still popular in Orlando? Does Disney Springs have a lot of them? Universal seems to be moving away from the big Food Network-famous chefs (or even well-known restaurant brands) in favor of its own unique options (or partnering with unique restaurants to bring a location down to Orlando, as with Voodoo & Cowfish), and that strategy seems to be working well for them. Is Emeril's (either location, either CW or RP) a big loss for Universal?

Disney Springs has several big names. Morimoto, Art Smith, Rick Bayless, Wolfgang Puck, José Andrés. As far as I know, the decision to close Emeril's in CityWalk was not Universal's.

 

[Nick]

Disney Springs has several big names. Morimoto, Art Smith, Rick Bayless, Wolfgang Puck, José Andrés. As far as I know, the decision to close Emeril's in CityWalk was not Universal's.

Don't forget about everyone's favorite, Chicken Guy!

Also, they have a Master Sommelier at DS in George Miliotes (Wine Bar George).

 

[UniversalRBLX]

The only BIG tv chef that has some pull is Ramsay and Gui Fieri (who already has a stake in Disney Springs).

 

[quinnmac000]

I would argue Universal will use an original concept, while named chefs are great and bring people in, the best marketing is more based on theme/aesthetic. Instagram is a much better marketing tool than any chef's name at this time.

Even when you watch cooking shows, its way less on the person making the food and way more on how cool a dish looks.

 

[UniversalRBLX]

I would argue Universal will use an original concept, while named chefs are great and bring people in, the best marketing is more based on theme/aesthetic. Instagram is a much better marketing tool than any chef's name at this time.

Even when you watch cooking shows, its way less on the person making the food and way more on how cool a dish looks.

100% the way to go. Universal wants to create "social media" restaurants that make people visit just because of the oppurtunity to take a picture and show off. Toothsome and Voodoo's success came from photos, not the taste.

 

[Parkscope Joe]

The only BIG tv chef that has some pull is Ramsay and Gui Fieri (who already has a stake in Disney Springs).

Might be my Cleveland-ness but Michael Symon would be a good addition to CityWalk. Nothing at DS, his work with The Chew on ABC is dying down, and he has several restaurants and tv shows (along with being an Iron Chef).

 

[Legacy]

The only BIG tv chef that has some pull is Ramsay and Gui Fieri (who already has a stake in Disney Springs).

Tom Colicchio.

And I would trample any and everyone to get to one of his restaurants. Hell, build a “Top Chef” restaurant. Tom establishes the standard menu, then there’s a rotating “Winner Menu” after each season.

 

[SeventyOne]

Any "name" chef* is going to want to bring fine dining, like in Disney Springs. Other than maybe Antojitos (big maybe), nothing left in CityWalk could be considered fine dining or caters to that crowd. Not a knock on what's there--I love Vivo and Toothsome and even Margaritaville--but in terms of food, service and price, those are at Cheesecake Factory level, not Morimoto or Boathouse level.

BTW, I think that's smart--know your market. Yeah, Disney has had some success, but (1) Universal is not Disney, (2) that success has come at the cost of their shopping and nightlife options, and (3) no guarantee they'll be able to maintain that success after a couple years.

* (Guy Fieri the lone exception, as is often the case when discussing celebrity chefs.)

 

[UniversalRBLX]

I say Universal should keep "premium dining" to the resorts. If people really want to spend $$$ on more expensive items, they can travel to a hotel. Disney has the advantage of having people stay longer on-property, with them leaving the possibility of one night of "fine dining".

 

[SeventyOne]

I say Universal should keep "premium dining" to the resorts. If people really want to spend $$$ on more expensive items, they can travel to a hotel. Disney has the advantage of having people stay longer on-property, with them leaving the possibility of one night of "fine dining".

Also a lot more conventions and (their secret weapon) weddings.

 

[JungleSkip]

Any "name" chef* is going to want to bring fine dining, like in Disney Springs. Other than maybe Antojitos (big maybe), nothing left in CityWalk could be considered fine dining or caters to that crowd. Not a knock on what's there--I love Vivo and Toothsome and even Margaritaville--but in terms of food, service and price, those are at Cheesecake Factory level, not Morimoto or Boathouse level.

BTW, I think that's smart--know your market. Yeah, Disney has had some success, but (1) Universal is not Disney, (2) that success has come at the cost of their shopping and nightlife options, and (3) no guarantee they'll be able to maintain that success after a couple years.

* (Guy Fieri the lone exception, as is often the case when discussing celebrity chefs.)

I'd disagree and say Vivo is on that level, but overall you're right. Universal also doesn't have the in-park restaurant lineup the Disney parks tend to have, and CityWalk makes up for the slack. I think another "original" concept from Uni is the right choice. So far all of the redone CityWalk offerings have been winners from a guest/crowd perspective, so I don't see them changing up the formula.

Maybe when the resort area by the convention area opens we'll see a "name" come into the fold again, but I don't think it'll happen at the main resort

 

[Disneyhead]

I still think CityWalk needs a "Signature" dining location. It doesn't need to be a "celebrity chef", but it needs to be a Boathouse level place.

 

[DannyPowers]

Might be my Cleveland-ness but Michael Symon would be a good addition to CityWalk. Nothing at DS, his work with The Chew on ABC is dying down, and he has several restaurants and tv shows (along with being an Iron Chef).

I mean...Trentina still hasn't re-opened since it caught on fire quite a while ago. Maybe he's concentrating on a new venture.

Also, B-Spot would be a great addition to City Walk. Not a replacement for Emeril's, but they don't really have a good dedicated burger spot.

B Spot - Michael Symon Restaurants

 

[Ridgepole]

I still think CityWalk needs a "Signature" dining location. It doesn't need to be a "celebrity chef", but it needs to be a Boathouse level place.

Definitely agree. Big steaks, quality seafood. An oyster bar would be nice. Only the Palm and Bice resort wide at this point for high end. And Bice is kinda niche.

 

[Scott W.]

Big Fire Grill.



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