youngstown, come on down . . .

Wow. Now this is a suprise.

Found this story in the Toledo Free Press today:

Entrepreneur starts game show restaurant

Taking a bite of the Bob Barker burger is only one factor that will make the Game Show Grill stand out among other themed restaurants.


Michael Shaw, the developer of what will be Game Show Grill LLC, is co-opening his first game show themed restaurant in Youngstown, OH this September.

Shaw came up with the idea one day by a stroke of luck, and with the prospect of opening in Japan on the horizon, talk of the restaurant going international is taking place, he said.

“It's just another themed restaurant,” Shaw said. “But what makes it different is how the people are involved.”

With over $1 million in expenses, plans for the restaurant include an elaborate stage, professional lighting and all the sex appeal expected on any regular television game show's stage. Also, patrons will be able to compete for cash and prizes, he said. A number of high-tech arcade games will be available as well. Patrons will have the option of skiing in the Alps or surfing in the ocean. A gift shop will be available, where a large number of board games will be sold, he said.

“We want to do it in markets that are being overlooked by big time market operators,” he said.


The concept is stretched to medium- and small-size cities because, most of the time, those are the communities that are crying out for new things to do, Shaw said.

Some contact has been made with Sony, the company that owns the Game Show Network, as well as cable companies for possible TV spots. Until he hears for them, Shaw continues to brainstorm and build.

“My role will be to do what I do,” he said. “I'm an idea guy.”

- - -


COME ON DOWN!!!