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Medieval Times

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This article is about the medieval-themed dinner theater. For the historical time period, see Middle Ages.

Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament
Company typePrivate
IndustryEntertainment
FoundedDecember 16, 1983; 41 years ago (1983-12-16) in Kissimmee, Florida, US[1][2]
Headquarters
Irving, Texas
,
U.S.
Number of locations
10
Area served
United States and Canada
ServicesDinner theater
Websitewww.medievaltimes.com

Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament is an American dinner theater featuring staged medieval-style games, sword-fighting, and jousting. Medieval Times Entertainment, the holding company, is headquartered in Irving, Texas.[3]

There are ten locations: the nine in the United States are built as replica 11th century castles;[4] the tenth, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is located inside the CNE Government Building.[5]

History

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Medieval Times in Schaumburg, Illinois
Medieval Times in Schaumburg, Illinois, displaying the coat of arms of Peralada, Catalonia, and the Viscounts Rocabertí, lords of Peralada Castle.[6] Medieval Times founder Jose Montaner was uncle to the Count of Perelada, with the Count holding stock in the company until 2016.[7]
[Medieval Times in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Medieval Times at Exhibition Place in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It opened during the 1993 Canadian National Exhibition.[8]

The first two Medieval Times-styled shows were developed in the late 1960s by Jose Montaner in Spain at Mallorca and Benidorm. Montaner converted the barbecue restaurant on the family farm to entertainment and food venue. Actors portrayed 11th-century jousting of knights of the northern Spanish and southern French kingdoms of Aragon, Navarre, and the village of Perelada, using stories derived from Montaner's family history. Montaner claims to be a descendant of Charlemagne, the first Holy Roman Emperor.[9][10] Accounts indicated that Tino Braña, who was involved in the jousting scenes from the 1961 film El Cid, was involved in staging the jousts since he started working with the Spanish productions in 1978.[10][11] Russell Allen, the then-assistant production manager of the Lyndhurst, New Jersey location, told The Star-Ledger that it would take nearly six to eight months to full train the actors - first with the combat sequences and then their acting skills.[11]

On December 16, 1983, the Spanish investment group Manver (incorporated in the Netherlands Antilles)[10] opened their first United States location in Kissimmee, Florida, about twenty minutes from Walt Disney World.[1] In 1986, they opened their second establishment near Knott's Berry Farm in California.[10] The franchise later expanded, opening locations in major cities in the Southern United States and elsewhere, including Atlanta, Georgia; Dallas, Texas; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Baltimore, Maryland; Schaumburg, Illinois; Lyndhurst, New Jersey; Scottsdale, Arizona; and Toronto, Ontario.[12]

In April 1997, the franchises in Florida and California sought bankruptcy protection after losing a court battle with the IRS that required the Buena Park location to pay US$7.5 million and the Orlando location to pay $2.5 million in back taxes (equivalent to about $14.2 and $4.7M in 2023). According to the IRS, Medieval Times improperly deducted royalties, loan interest, and management fees in the 1987 and 1989 tax years. When asked why the company was filing for bankruptcy, Alan Friedman, the company's bankruptcy lawyer, told Los Angeles Times "One of the primary reasons for filing was to prevent the IRS from beginning to seize any assets."[13]

The shows change about every six to seven years.[14][15] A show that premiered in 2017 was notable for being for the first time that lead role was filled by a Queen, rather than a King. This change was due to feedback from guests who wanted to see women in more significant acting roles. The company also stated that it took two months to teach a Queen how to ride an Andalusian horse.[16] The newest show premiered in late 2024, where a king and queen, each leading their own respective kingdoms, forge an alliance.[15]

Since 2016, Jose's son, Perico Montaner, is the President and CEO of the private company, which is headquartered in Irving, Texas.[5][7] As of October 2017, Medieval Times had served over 65 million guests across its entire history as a franchise.[16]

Potential film adaptation

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In 2013, Deadline Hollywood reported that production companies Benderspink and Broken Road Productions secured the rights to produce a feature film adaptation of the Medieval Times dinner theater. This was announced just months before the company's 30th anniversary.[17][18] Although the production companies attempted to shop the film to major film studios,[17] a film adaptation has yet to be produced as of 2025.

2023 Medieval Times strike

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See also: 2023 Medieval Times strike

On May 31, 2022, employees at Medieval Times in New Jersey filed for a union election with the NLRB, working with the American Guild of Variety Artists.[19] In October 2022, the company sued the union over name and logo trademark violations; the suit was subsequently dismissed; MT was, however, able to pressure TikTok to shut the union's social media account on intellectual property grounds.[20] In November 2022, employees at the Buena Park location also won a union election 27–18 to join the American Guild of Variety Artists,[21] and initiated a strike soon after, in February 2023, over pay and safety concerns.[22] After nine months on strike, in November, the union said it would end the strike and return to work while the negotiating team continues to fight for a "safe and equitable" work environment for cast, crew and animals.[23]

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The dinner theatre was featured in a pivotal scene in the 1996 film The Cable Guy, where the titular character (Jim Carrey) engages in an intense jousting match with a reluctant Steven (Matthew Broderick). The scene also features a humorous scene where a "serving wench" (Janeane Garofalo) tells her customers that there were no utensils during the medieval times before offering them a refill on their Pepsi beverage.[24][25] It was filmed at the Buena Park, California location in January 1996[24][26][27] while the location was closed for nine days.[28] Around the same time, the chain collaborated with select Sony movie theatres to send ticket-buyers for "The Cable Guy" discounts for the Medieval Times. As a result of the promotion, "The Cable Guy" boosted ticket sales for the Medieval Times restaurant, including a 30% increase in the Lyndhurst, New Jersey location.[24]

During the theatrical release of The Cable Guy, employees from Medieval Times expressed mixed reactions to its appearance in the film. On the one hand, restaurant managers were delighted with the publicity the film brought out.[28] On the other hand, a female employee expressed disappointment at the depiction of the serving wench in the film.[24] Also, spokesperson David Manuel stressed that the theatre would never allow customers to fight in the pit, noting that each of the actors on stage needed extensive training - especially with horse riding and swordsmanship.[28]

Medieval Times was also featured in the 2004 feature film Garden State, featuring Jim Parsons as a knight.[18] It has been featured in episodes of TV shows such as Friends,[29] Cake Boss,[30] Hell's Kitchen,[31] The Celebrity Apprentice,[32] Close Enough,[33] Walker, Texas Ranger,[34] and Saturday Night Live.[35]

Locations

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class=notpageimage|
Locations of the Medieval Times castles —

As of 2025, the Medieval Times has opened ten locations - nine in the United States and one in Canada.[3]

United States

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Canada

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See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ coincided with the 1993 Canadian National Exhibition.[8][48][49][50]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Kilsheimer, Joe (December 16, 1983). "Knighthood endures at new attraction". The Orlando Sentinel. p. 266. Retrieved February 19, 2025.
  2. ^ "Medieval Times Orlando Ad". The Orlando Sentinel. December 14, 1983. p. 57. Retrieved February 19, 2025. Opening December 16th
  3. ^ a b ""Castle Locations". Medieval Times Entertainment. Retrieved July 30, 2019.
  4. ^ Duncan, Kimberly Allyson; Rentz, Lisa Tomer (2008). Insiders' guide to Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand (9th ed.). Guilford, CT: Insiders' Guide. ISBN 978-0-7627-4407-7.
  5. ^ a b Reynolds, Christopher (August 7, 2016). "How Medieval Times survives in the digital age (paper version headline: "All in a knight's work")". Toronto Star. Archived from the original on February 20, 2025.
  6. ^ "Peralada". Costa Brava Living. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
  7. ^ a b Swierk, Adam (June 2, 2022). "The Untold Truth Of Medieval Times". Mashed. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  8. ^ a b Kane, Marion (August 18, 1993). "Visitors can have fun with food at Ex". The Toronto Star. p. 67. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
  9. ^ Carlos Coto, Juan (August 7, 1988). "Orlando's latest: Dining with a dash of adventure". The Miami Herald. pp. 1J, 4J.
  10. ^ a b c d Garza, Melita Marie (June 18, 1991). "Spanish dinner entertainment harks back to medieval times". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on February 20, 2025. Retrieved February 19, 2025.
  11. ^ a b Sudol, Valerie (August 8, 1993). "Yon knight, fleet of foot, train and spar with derring-do". The Star-Ledger. p. 106. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
  12. ^ "Locations". Medieval Times. Retrieved October 31, 2023.
  13. ^ James, Granelli (April 26, 1997). "Medieval Times Owners File for Bankruptcy". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 11, 2009.
  14. ^ Palisin, Steve (May 31, 2012). "Medieval Times ready to roll out new show". The Sun News. Retrieved June 1, 2012.
  15. ^ a b Perry, Zack (October 21, 2024). "Medieval Times launches first new show since 2017". ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix (KNXV). Retrieved February 20, 2025.
  16. ^ a b "Queen Takes The Reigns at Medieval Times Castles Starting October 19". PR Newswire (Press release). October 19, 2017. Retrieved April 1, 2019.
  17. ^ a b Fleming Jr., Mike (May 13, 2013). "Medieval Times Headed For Movie Screen". Deadline. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
  18. ^ a b Busis, Hillary (May 13, 2013). "Medieval Times movie: It's coming". EW.com. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
  19. ^ "Medieval Knights LLC | National Labor Relations Board". www.nlrb.gov. Retrieved June 1, 2022.
  20. ^ Jamieson, Dave. "Judge Tosses Medieval Times' Trademark Lawsuit Against Union". HuffPost. Retrieved November 22, 2023.
  21. ^ Ahn, Ashley (November 12, 2022). "Medieval Times performers in California unionize following months of debate". National Public Radio. Retrieved February 23, 2023.
  22. ^ Breijo, Stephanie (February 15, 2023). "Workers at Medieval Times strike, citing low wages and high risks for knightly work". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved February 23, 2023.
  23. ^ "Medieval Times Buena Park employees end strike and will return to work Wednesday". LA Times via Yahoo Finance. November 22, 2023. Retrieved November 22, 2023.
  24. ^ a b c d Beckerman, Jim (June 20, 1996). "'Cable' gives the knights a lift". The Record. p. 68. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
  25. ^ Ramey, Lynn T. (2007). Race, class, and gender in "medieval" cinema. Palgrave Macmillan US. pp. 111. ISBN 9781403974273.
  26. ^ "Medieval Mind?". The Los Angeles Times. January 23, 1996. p. 59. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
  27. ^ Wright, Lesley (January 25, 1996). "True-Blue Carrey Fans Brave Cold for a Glimpse - Lesley Wright". The Los Angeles Times. p. 101. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
  28. ^ a b c Eyerly, Alan (June 18, 1996). "Days for Knights and a Network of Prime TImes for 'Cable Guy'". The Los Angeles Times. p. 147. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
  29. ^ Green, Rachel (April 24, 2003). "The One with the Soap Opera Party". Friends. Season 9. Episode 20. NBC. And last year, is that why you sent us to that Medieval Times restaurant?
  30. ^ "Tournament of Knights and a Tasty Tiramisu" Cake Boss, TLC, June 14, 2010
  31. ^ "15 Chefs Compete". Hell's Kitchen episode 3. Season 9. July 25, 2011. Fox.
  32. ^ "Getting Medieval". The Apprentice. Season 12. Episode 2. February 26, 2012. NBC.
  33. ^ "The Canine Guy" Close Enough, HBO Max, July 9, 2020. Warner Bros.
  34. ^ Norris, Eric (April 21, 2001), "Medieval Crimes", Walker, Texas Ranger, Chuck Norris, Clarence Gilyard Jr, Sheree J. Wilson, retrieved January 24, 2025
  35. ^ Ivie, Devon (January 26, 2020). "Medieval Times Should Be So Lucky to Employ Adam Driver's Unhinged Knight". Vulture. Retrieved February 19, 2025.
  36. ^ "Medieval Times Buena Park Ad". The Los Angeles Times. May 30, 1986. p. 116. Retrieved February 19, 2025. Grand Opening – June 5
  37. ^ Friedman, Scott (February 7, 1989). "Lyndhurst mayor: 'I think we've got it made'". The Herald-News. p. 41. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
  38. ^ Weiss, Mark (February 2, 1990). "Medieval times to return on Valentine's Day". The Jersey Journal. p. 13. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
  39. ^ Rubin, Hannele (June 8, 1990). "Knight moves Duels, wenches, & spareribs at 'Medieval Times'". The Central New Jersey Home News. p. 52. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
  40. ^ "Medieval Times Chicago Ad". Chicago Tribune. May 31, 1991. p. 102. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
  41. ^ Ramstad, Evan (May 26, 1992). "Dine and cheer on your knight at new attraction". Associated Press. p. 16. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
  42. ^ "Medieval Times Dallas Ad". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. May 29, 1992. p. 111. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
  43. ^ McCollum, Brian (June 16, 1995). "Medieval Times takes you back to enjoy". Sun-News. p. 52. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
  44. ^ Toussaint, Karen (September 5, 2003). "History comes alive during Dinner". The Aegis. p. 23. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
  45. ^ Lanuza, Celeste; Wolaver, Nicholas (August 10, 2006). "Medieval Times Kingdom Now in Lawrenceville". The Atlanta Constitution. pp. P37. Retrieved February 19, 2025.
  46. ^ Poole, Shelia (November 5, 2018). "A queen will take charge at Medieval Times Atlanta". The Atlanta Constitution. pp. D2. Retrieved February 19, 2025.
  47. ^ Frigerio, Josh (August 1, 2019). "Medieval Times to open its first Arizona castle near Scottsdale on Friday: What you need to know". ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix (KNXV).
  48. ^ James, Royson (February 3, 1993). "'Medieval Castle' seen as new draw at Ex site". The Toronto Star. p. 16. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
  49. ^ Taylor, Bill (August 20, 1993). "Middle Ages reborn at Ex". The Toronto Star. p. 4. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
  50. ^ "The Ex Ad". The Toronto Star. August 18, 1993. p. 34. Retrieved February 20, 2025.

Bibliography

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  • Martin, David G. (1993). The Philadelphia Campaign: June 1777 – July 1778. Conshohocken, PA: Combined Books. ISBN 0-938289-19-5. 2003 Da Capo reprint, ISBN 0-306-81258-4.
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