Rockstar shuts down real-life GTA Cluckin’ Bell restaurant
After popping up in 2022, Rockstar Games has issued a cease and desist to a real-life version of Grand Theft Auto's Cluckin' Bell restaurant.
17th Jul 2023 16:16
Rockstar Games | Smokin J’s BBQ Facebook
Rockstar shuts down real-life GTA Cluckin’ Bell restaurant
After popping up in 2022, Rockstar Games has issued a cease and desist to a real-life version of Grand Theft Auto's Cluckin' Bell restaurant.
17th Jul 2023 16:16
Rockstar Games | Smokin J’s BBQ Facebook
Someone has royally 'clucked' up here. Proving that it's the ultimate fun sponge in gaming, Rockstar Games' parent company has issued a cease and desist to a real-life restaurant inspired by Grand Theft Auto's Cluckin' Bell. If you thought Nintendo was the ultimate Grinch, you ain't seen anything yet.
To celebrate Comic-Con 2022, a San Diego-based restaurant turned itself into a Cluckin' Bell as part of a "performative art" experience. It was only open for a weekend, but the idea proved popular enough to warrant a return. Well, it would've if not for those villainous Take-Two Interactive lawyers.
Real-life Cluckin' Bell shut down before it could open
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Smokin' J's got a lot of attention for its 2022 Cluckin' Bell experience, and keen to cash in on its success again, planned on opening as Cluckin' Bell and Burger Shot. While the debut experience includes special menus, uniforms, and even Sprunk, 2023 was going to add "Burger Shot Stallion toy cars and uniforms".
As reported by RockstarINTEL, Smokin' J's popularity has been its downfall by grabbing the attention of Take-Two Interactive. In an email sent to the site, Smokin J's explained, "Last Night, we received a cease and desist letter from the law firm representing Take-Two Interactive."
"In response, we have been forced to scrap the Burger Shot event that was planned for this weekend. (At Comic Con) We are still doing a Cluckin' Bell type installation next weekend, however it is now going to be a spoof installation branded as Don't Cluckin' Tell."
Before Take-Two nixed the idea, Smokin J's co-owner Josh George said, "We're looking forward to welcoming all GTA-lovers, Comic-Con visitors, and local San Diegoians at these events to enjoy delicious food, drinks, and a truly unique video game-inspired experience."
Fans react to Cluckin' Bell closure
The event was in collaboration with Michael Too from boyworldwide, who announced the news of its closure on Instagram. The comments were soon flooded with disappointed responses from fans. One sobbed, "OMG!!! So sorry!! Love that you find ways to have fun with our community."
Another added, "Don't be hard on yourself. What you were trying to do was so friggin cool bringing an iconic brand inside a game we love to life. Looking forward to your next event!" A third concluded, "That means they KNOW you and the brand !! They need to make you a character in GTA 6 or NO DEAL !!"
Even though it might've been too far for most of us to travel, it's a shame to see corporate greed coming down hard on a small business trying to bring a bit of fun into our lives. We've previously seen Take-Two come for GTA modders, but now, it looks like even performative artists aren't safe.
About The Author
Tom Chapman
Tom is Trending News Editor at GGRecon, with an NCTJ qualification in Broadcast Journalism and over seven years of experience writing about film, gaming, and television. With bylines at IGN, Digital Spy, Den of Geek, and more, Tom’s love of horror means he's well-versed in all things Resident Evil, with aspirations to be the next Chris Redfield.
