Rainforest Cafe: From 59 Locations to 16 - The Decline of Themed Dining Chains
Rainforest Cafe, once a popular dining and tourist destination with 59 locations, has now dwindled down to just 16 restaurants in the U.S. Themed restaurants like Rainforest Cafe, Planet Hollywood, and Medieval Times were a hit among families seeking an entertaining dining experience. While themed restaurants still exist, larger chains have reduced their locations to focus on high-tourist areas like Florida, Texas, and near the Mall of America in Minnesota. Rainforest Cafe offers a unique dining experience where customers are surrounded by animatronic creatures and experience simulated thunderstorms every 30 minutes.
According to Chowhound, Rainforest Cafe has experienced a decline in business over the years, with many locations closing due to the waning interest in themed dining chains and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, Rainforest Cafe has 16 locations in the U.S., spread across 11 states, including Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, Tennessee, and Texas. The Rainforest Cafe at Disney's Animal Kingdom holds the title of the world's largest location. The chain also has international locations in countries like Japan, France, and Canada.
Despite the decrease in the number of Rainforest Cafe locations, the chain maintains a strong online presence with a variety of branded merchandise available for purchase on their website. From plates to stuffed animals to adult t-shirts, fans can bring a piece of Rainforest Cafe home. If visiting a physical location is not possible, creating a Rainforest Cafe ambiance at home with merchandise and large plants could be an alternative.
Rainforest Cafe is not the only chain that has seen closures in recent years. To learn more about other chain restaurants and stores that have closed in 2026, continue reading below.