Arnold Schwarzenegger Returns to Planet Hollywood

In a nod to his iconic “I’ll be back” phrase, Arnold Schwarzenegger is once again involved with his longtime investment, Planet Hollywood, located in Midtown. He recently paid a visit to the restaurant, which he initially backed in the early 90s.

Schwarzenegger was in New York for the premiere of a Santa Claus film and attended the restaurant’s opening this year. He even hosted a wrap party there, wandering around and engaging with the atmosphere.

This beloved eatery, which reopened its doors at 136 West 42nd Street in February, was first established in 1991 at West 57th Street, garnering support from Hollywood heavyweights like Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, Bruce Willis, and Demi Moore.

Now, the restaurant is also seeing the next generation, like Patrick Schwarzenegger, Arnold’s son with Maria Shriver, stepping in and carving out their own space in the industry. It’s a bit surreal, I think, to watch them grow up, isn’t it?

“Patrick used to come here as a little kid with his family, and now he’s on his own,” shared Drew, the British restaurateur. He added that trying to offer Patrick a ride back to his hotel felt oddly nostalgic.

Drew mentioned catching up with Bruce Willis and Demi Moore’s children too. “I chatted with Tallulah Willis the other day; she’s now an artist with her own exhibits,” he said, reflecting on how things change.

He’s also hoping to connect with Stallone’s daughters, Sofia, Sistine, and Scarlett, even though they’ve been busy working on their reality series. “They’re wonderful, but busy!” he chuckled.

Speaking of offerings, Planet Hollywood is currently featuring “Back to the Future” alongside a new lunch menu. The prices are reminiscent of the original 90s menu, which I guess is comforting for some. It’s interesting, really.

Drew remarked on this retro pricing trend, mentioning, “I think it’s a great idea. I’ve seen others trying it and it seems to pull people in.” He added, “Can you believe an appetizer under $10? It feels almost unreal, doesn’t it?”

With an investment of $20 million, this sit-down restaurant in Manhattan is quite a venture. The special vintage menu will last until October 22nd, marking the eatery’s 34th anniversary.

In homage to Schwarzenegger’s memorable quote from Terminator 2: Judgment Day, they’re also serving a cocktail called “hasta la vista baby,” priced at $9.91. It’s a nice little touch, I think, capturing both nostalgia and a fresh start.