Planet Hollywood Revives Nostalgia with '90s Menu and Celebrity Connections

“I’ll be back,” Arnold Schwarzenegger declared, and he certainly meant it. The iconic actor has returned to Midtown’s revamped Planet Hollywood, a venture he helped launch in the early '90s.

“Arnold the Governator was in New York filming a Santa Claus movie when we opened earlier this year. He attended the launch and even hosted his wrap party here,” shared Robert Earl, CEO and founder of Planet Hollywood.

Originally debuting in 1991 on West 57th Street, the restaurant has made its comeback at 136 West 42nd Street. Back in the day, it boasted support from Hollywood heavyweights like Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, Bruce Willis, and Demi Moore.

Now, Earl finds it remarkable to see the next generation of these stars stepping into the limelight. Patrick Schwarzenegger, son of Arnold and Maria Shriver, recently visited the restaurant. “He used to come here as a kid with his family. Now he’s an impressive young man who doesn’t let celebrity status affect him. I offered him a ride back to his hotel, but he insisted on taking the subway alone,” Earl remarked.

In addition to Patrick, Earl has been engaging with the children of Willis and Moore. “I’ve been in touch with Tallulah Willis. We’re exploring the possibility of showcasing her art in our New York location,” he noted.

Plans are also in motion to reach out to Stallone’s daughters—Sophia, Sistine, and Scarlet. “They’re wonderful, but they’ve been busy with their reality show. I’ll definitely be contacting them soon,” he added.

Planet Hollywood is embracing a nostalgic theme with its new lunch specials, featuring items from its original '90s menu at prices reminiscent of that era.

“There’s a trend emerging. I’ve noticed others following suit. It definitely draws people in,” Earl explained regarding the retro pricing strategy.

“Imagine hearing, ‘My entree is under $10?’ The turkey burger with fries is just $7.95! That’s unheard of in Manhattan for a sit-down restaurant that cost $20 million to build,” he continued.

The vintage menu includes dishes like margherita pasta for $9.95 and a Hollywood club sandwich for $8.95, available until October 22nd, coinciding with the restaurant's 34th anniversary celebration.

A standout cocktail on the menu is the vodka-rum-gin mix named “Hasta La Vista Baby,” priced at $9.91, a nod to Schwarzenegger’s legendary line from “Terminator 2: Judgment Day.”