Landry's: Difference between revisions

| founders = Bill and Floyd Landry

| num_locations = 471 total properties {{notetag|460 restaurants, 1 pleasure pier, 1 theme park, 3 aquariums, and 6 other real estate properties}}

'''Landry's, Inc.''', is an American, privately owned, multi-brand dining, hospitality, entertainment, and gaming corporation headquartered in [[Houston|Houston, Texas]]. Landry's, Inc., owns and operates more than 600 restaurants, hotels, casinos, and entertainment destinations in 35 [[U.S. states]] and the [[District of Columbia]]. The company also owns and operates numerous international locations. The company is owned by President & CEO [[Tilman Fertitta]].

The first Landry's Seafood restaurant opened in Texas in 1980. While many patrons assumed it was named for [[Dallas Cowboys]] coach [[Tom Landry]], it was not;<ref>{{cite book |last1=Ribowsky |first1=Mark |title=The Last Cowboy: A Life of Tom Landry |date=4 November 2013 |publisher=W. W. Norton & Company |isbn=978-0-87140-748-1 |page=24 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KTgDAQAAQBAJ&pg=PT24 |language=en}}</ref> Bill and Floyd Landry were the original owners. They had started opening restaurants in the Houston area in the 1970s.<ref name="Draper">{{cite web |last1=Draper |first1=Robert |title=Big Fish |url=https://www.texasmonthly.com/news-politics/big-fish/ |website=Texas Monthly |access-date=16 February 2023 |language=en |date=1 May 1997}}</ref>

Brothers Bill and Floyd Landry and other partners from their hometown of [[Lafayette, Louisiana]], began opening authentic Cajun restaurants in the Houston area in the 1970s. These included Willie G’s (named for their father), near [[The Galleria]], and the first Landry's Seafood on the far west side of the city.<ref name="Draper" /> By 1986, nearly all of the partners wanted to sell their shares. They found a willing buyer in [[Tilman Fertitta]], who paid $400,000 on December 31, 1986, for a controlling interest in the company.<ref name="Draper" /> The remaining partner, Denis Wilson, was bought out for $850,000. He received $250,000 upfront, but had to spend $120,000 in legal fees to eventually collect the remaining $600,000 from Fertitta.<ref name="Draper" />

Fertitta became [[CEO]] and quickly began standardizing the appearance and menus of his restaurants; he removed the Cajun spicing from most dishes and scrubbed away the unique interior of Willie G's.<ref name="Draper" /> He took the company [[Public company|public]] in 1993, with a valuation of $30 million.<ref name="forbes1">{{cite web|date=August 23, 2012|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/calebmelby/2012/08/23/the-worlds-richest-restaurateur-has-a-secret-its-not-about-the-food/|title=The World's Richest Restaurateur Has A Secret: It's Not About The Food - Forbes|work=Forbes|access-date=January 4, 2015|last= Melby|first=Caleb}}</ref>

Throughout the 1990s, Landry's, Inc., expanded, developing and acquiring restaurant, entertainment, hospitality, and gaming businesses. In 1994, Landry's, Inc., acquired [[Joe's Crab Shack]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://restaurant-hospitality.com/features/rh_imp_6720|title=Shipshape at Landry's|website=Restaurant Hospitality|publisher=Informa|last=Hochwarth |first=Patricia|date= September 1, 2004}}</ref> In 2006, Landry's, Inc., sold Joe's Crab Shack, which had grown to more than 120 locations, to [[Joe's Crab Shack|J.H. Whitney & Company]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2006/10/09/daily17.html|title= Landry's to unload Joe's Crab Shack eateries |work=Houston Business Journal|date=October 9, 2006}}</ref> During the decade, the company acquired several other restaurants, including The Crab House and Cadillac Bar.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chron.com/business/article/Landry-s-filings-may-indicate-big-acquisition-near-1628363.php|title=Landry's filings may indicate big acquisition near|publisher=Houston Chronicle|date=December 11, 2004}}</ref>

Landry's, Inc., expanded its hospitality and entertainment divisions in 1996, acquiring the San Luis Resort, a 32-acre beachfront resort on [[Galveston, Texas|Galveston Island's]] historic [[Seawall Boulevard]] and built on top of the former [[Fort Crockett]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/landry-s-restaurants-inc-history/|title=History of Landry's Restaurants, Inc.|website=Funding Universe}}</ref> In 2004, Landry's, Inc., partnered with the city of Galveston to open a 140,000 square foot convention center, the Galveston Island Convention Center at the San Luis Resort. In 2003, the company acquired the adjacent [[Holiday Inn]] Resort Galveston – On the Beach. In 2004, the adjacent [[Hilton Hotels & Resorts|Hilton]] Galveston Island Resort was acquired. The San Luis Resort includes 700 guest rooms, ten restaurants, and 200,000 square feet of event space.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sanluisresort.com/|title=The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center |website=www.sanluisresort.com}}</ref>

In 1998, the company developed the 35-acre [[Kemah Boardwalk]], with a hotel, a marina, more than ten restaurants, and dozens of midway games, amusement rides, and attractions.<ref name="landrysinc.com"/> The company's hospitality division also includes The [[Westin Hotels|Westin]] Houston Downtown in [[Downtown Houston]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g56003-d286987-Reviews-Inn_at_the_Ballpark-Houston_Texas.html|title=The Westin Houston Downtown - UPDATED 2017 Hotel Reviews & Price Comparison (TX) - TripAdvisor|website=www.tripadvisor.com}}</ref> and the Boardwalk Inn on the Kemah Boardwalk.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kemahboardwalkinn.com/|title=Kemah Boardwalk Inn |website=www.kemahboardwalkinn.com}}</ref>

After 2000, Landry's, Inc., continued to grow. In 2000, the company acquired [[Rainforest Cafe]], a collection of jungle-inspired restaurants and retail villages.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/09/27/business/company-news-landry-s-in-a-new-deal-to-acquire-rainforest-cafe.html|title=COMPANY NEWS; LANDRY'S IN A NEW DEAL TO ACQUIRE RAINFOREST CAFE|agency=Reuters|date= September 27, 2000|work=New York Times}}</ref> In 2002, the company acquired three national seafood restaurants: [[Saltgrass Steak House]],<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2002/09/09/daily24.html|title= Landry's to buy Saltgrass Steak House for $75 million |work=Houston Business Journal|date=September 11, 2002|access-date= May 17, 2017}}</ref> Chart House,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.smartbrief.com/05/21/02/landrys-acquires-39-chart-house-restaurants-455-million#.UhfhRBukrpU |title=Landry's Acquires 39 Chart House Restaurants For $45.5 Million|website=Smart Brief | date=May 21, 2002|access-date= May 17, 2017}}</ref> and Muer Restaurants,.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20020219/SUB/202190853/landrys-restaurants-to-buy-c-a-muer-corp|title= Landry's Restaurants to buy C.A. Muer Corp.|website=Crain's Detroit Business|date=February 19, 2002|first=Terry |last= Kosdrosky}}</ref>

In 2005, the company acquired [[Golden Nugget Las Vegas|Golden Nugget Hotel & Casinos]], with locations in [[Golden Nugget Las Vegas|Las Vegas]] and [[Golden Nugget Laughlin|Laughlin, Nevada]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article18698.html|title=Landry's Announces Completion of Acquisition of Golden Nugget Las Vegas and Golden Nugget Laughlin|website=Hotel News Resource|date=September 27, 2005}}</ref> Landry's, Inc., has since opened three additional locations in [[Golden Nugget Atlantic City|Atlantic City, New Jersey]],<ref>[http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/press/atlantic/landry-s-plans-a-turn-around-for-trump-marina-in/article_d854437a-3c92-11e0-9d74-001cc4c03286.html Landry's plans a turn-around for Trump Marina in Atlantic City and points to its success at Las Vegas' Golden Nugget], pressofAtlanticCity.com; accessed May 17, 2017.</ref> [[Biloxi, Mississippi]]<ref>[http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2013/06/25/fertitta-opens-first-phase-of-new.html Fertitta opens Golden Nugget Biloxi's new additions - Houston Business Journal<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> and [[Golden Nugget Lake Charles|Lake Charles, Louisiana]].<ref>[http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/blog/breaking-ground/2013/07/landrys-acquires-lake-charles-casino.html?page=all Landry's expands Golden Nugget Casino brand] in [[Lake Charles, Louisiana|Lake Charles]], [[Louisiana]]. Houston Business Journal; accessed May 17, 2017.</ref>

On October 14, 2008, T-Rex Cafe, a [[dinosaur]] [[theme restaurant|themed restaurant]] chain at [[Disney Springs]] formerly known as Downtown Disney in [[Orlando, Florida|Orlando]], [[Florida]], location was also opened to the public, and the [[Legends Outlets Kansas City|Legends Outlets]] in [[Kansas City]], [[Kansas]], location was opened in 2006 and which was closed on August 13, 2017, replaced by [[Michael Kors]] and it is themed after ''[[The Rite of Spring]]'' segment by [[Igor Stravinsky]] in the 1940 [[Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures|Walt Disney]]'s [[animated]] film ''[[Fantasia (1940 film)|Fantasia]]'' (1940).

In 2010, Landry's, Inc., acquired three new restaurants: [[Bubba Gump Shrimp Company]], a collection of seafood restaurants themed on the movie ''[[Forrest Gump]]'',<ref>[http://nrn.com/corporate/landrys-acquires-bubba-gump-shrimp-co Landry's acquires Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.], nrn.com; accessed May 17, 2017.</ref><ref>[http://www.flex-news-food.com/console/PageViewer.aspx?page=33266&str=Restaurant%20Shrimp US: Landry's Buys Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurant Chain], flex-news-food.com; accessed May 17, 2017.</ref> The company also acquired [[Claim Jumper]], a national chain of family restaurants.<ref>[http://nrn.com/archive/landrys-acquire-claim-jumper Landry's to acquire Claim Jumper], nrn.com; accessed May 17, 2017.</ref> The Oceanaire, a national collection of seafood restaurants,<ref>[http://www.startribune.com/business/91564569.html Landry's lands Minneapolis-based Oceanaire restaurants in deal], StarTribune.com; accessed May 17, 2017</ref> is known for flying in fresh fish daily.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-11-12 |title=The Oceanaire Seafood Room in Hackensack, NJ |url=https://www.deecuisine.com/2014/11/the-oceanaire-seafood-room-in-hackensack-nj |access-date=2023-08-21 |website=dee Cuisine |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2011, Landry's bought two more restaurants – [[McCormick & Schmick's|McCormick & Schmick's Seafood & Steaks]]<ref>[http://articles.latimes.com/2011/nov/09/business/la-fi-mccormick-schmick-20111109 McCormick & Schmick's; Landry's Restaurants; takeover], ''Los Angeles Times''; accessed May 17, 2017.</ref> and [[Morton's The Steakhouse]].<ref>[http://nrn.com/archive/landry-s-clear-acquire-morton-s Landry’s clear to acquire Morton’s], nrn.com; accessed May 17, 2017.</ref> In 2012, the company expanded its entertainment division with the opening of the [[Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier]].<ref>[http://www.galveston.com/galvestonislandhistoricpleasurepier/ Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier], Galveston.com; accessed May 17, 2017.</ref>

In August 2017, Landry's re-acquired [[Joe's Crab Shack]] restaurants from Ignite Restaurant Group, which had filed for bankruptcy protection on June 6, 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2017/06/06/joes-crab-shack-owner-ignite-files-for-bankruptcy.html|title=Joe's Crab Shack owner Ignite files for bankruptcy|last=CNBC|website=[[CNBC]] |date=2017-06-06|access-date=2017-06-07}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2017/08/09/parent-co-of-joes-crab-shack-back-in-hands-of.html|title=Parent co. of Joe's Crab Shack back in hands of Tilman Fertitta|last=BizJournals|date=2017-08-09|access-date=2017-08-10}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2017/08/18/court-approves-landry-s-deal-to-buy-joe-s-crab.html|title=Court approves Landry's deal to buy Joe's Crab Shack parent co.|last=Pulsinelli|first=Olivia|date=2017-08-18|website=www.bizjournals.com|access-date=2017-08-21}}</ref> Landry's had sold Joe's to Ignite's predecessor in 2006.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2006/10/09/daily17.html| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140515193307/http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2006/10/09/daily17.html| archive-date = 2014-05-15| title = Landry's to unload Joe's Crab Shack eateries - Houston Business Journal}}</ref> The Ignite group's Brick House Tavern, and Tap restaurants were also included in the deal.

* [[Golden Nugget Atlantic City]]

* Golden Nugget Biloxi

* Golden Nugget Danville

* Golden Nugget Cripple Creek, Colorado

* Blue Water Inn - [[St. Clair, Michigan]]

* Huntting Inn - [[East Hampton (town), New York|East Hampton, New York]]

* [[Kemah Boardwalk|Boardwalk Inn]] - [[Kemah, Texas]]

* [[The Post Oak|The Post Oak Hotel and Tower]] - [[Houston]], [[Texas]]

* San Luis Resort - [[Galveston, Texas]]

** The Villas at San Luis Resort

* Blue Fin

* Bristol Seafood Grill

* [[Chart House]]

* [[Del Frisco's Restaurant Group|Del Frisco's]]

* Devon Seafood Grill

* J. Gilbert's Woodfired Steaks

* Kincaid's (CA and MN)

* [[Mastro's Restaurants]]

* [[Mitchell's Fish Market]]

* [[Morton's The Steakhouse]]

* The Oceanaire Seafood Room

* [[The Palm (restaurant)|The Palm]]

* [[Strip House]]

* [[Vic & Anthony's Steakhouse]]

* [[Bubba Gump Shrimp Company]]

* [[Claim Jumper]]

* [[Houlihan's]]

* [[Joe's Crab Shack]]

* [[McCormick & Schmick's]]

* [[Rainforest Cafe]]

* [[Saltgrass Steak House]]

* [[Grand Concourse (restaurant)|Grand Concourse]]

* [[Jake's Famous Crawfish]]

* Skates on the Bay (Berkeley, CA)

* T-Rex Cafe

* Yak & Yeti

* Clinkerdagger

* [[Kemah Boardwalk]]: The company owns a boardwalk in [[Kemah, Texas]]. The Kemah Boardwalk, a 60-acre Texas [[Gulf Coast of the United States|Gulf Coast]] theme park in [[Kemah, Texas]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kemahboardwalk.com/|title=Kemah Boardwalk - The Fun Never Stops!|website=www.kemahboardwalk.com}}</ref> approximately 30 miles southeast of [[Downtown Houston]], Texas. The [[boardwalk (entertainment district)|Boardwalk]] is built entirely along the shores of [[Galveston Bay]] and [[Clear Lake City (Greater Houston)|Clear Lake]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.visithoustontexas.com/listings/Kemah-Boardwalk/23284/|title=Kemah Boardwalk|website=Visit Houston}}</ref> and is considered among the premier boardwalks in the United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://travel.yahoo.com/photos/america-s-most-awesome-boardwalks-1374794404-slideshow/best-boardwalks-kemah-photo-1374794643650.html|title=Travel - Yahoo Style|website=travel.yahoo.com}}</ref> The complex is owned and operated by [[Landry's Restaurants|Landry's, Inc]]., and is home to more than ten restaurants; a collection of rides; midway games; attractions; a boutique hotel; a charter yacht; a 400-slip marina; and multiple shops.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.landrysinc.com/concepts/familydestinations.asp|title=Landry's Inc. - The Leader in Dining, Hospitality and Entertainment|first=Web design by Valiant Media -|last=www.valiantmedia.com|website=www.landrysinc.com}}</ref> There is no charge to walk around on the boardwalk. Tickets for rides can be purchased individually, or all-day ride passes are available. Restaurants on the boardwalk include Landry's Seafood; [[Bubba Gump Shrimp Company|Bubba Gump Shrimp Co]].; [[Saltgrass Steak House]]; and Cadillac Bar.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kemahboardwalk.com/visitor-info.asp|title=Kemah Boardwalk - The Fun Never Stops!|website=www.kemahboardwalk.com}}</ref>

* The Post Oak: Fertitta broke grounds on a mixed-use skyscraper in [[Houston]] that will accompany the company's headquarters. The building includes hotel rooms, residential rooms, and office buildings.

* Post Oak Motor Cars: The company owns and operates Post Oak Motor Cars, Ltd., the largest factory-authorized [[Rolls-Royce (car)|Rolls-Royce]] Motor Cars and [[Bentley]] Motors dealership on the Gulf Coast.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pomcltd.com/|title=Bentley & Rolls-Royce Houston, Texas|first=All Auto|last=Network|website=www.pomcltd.com}}</ref>

* [[Crawford Boxes|Landry's Crawford Boxes]]: Landry's, Inc., owns the naming rights to the left field bleachers at [[Minute Maid Park]], the home of [[Major League Baseball]]'s [[Houston Astros]]. The Landry's Crawford Boxes are so named because they parallel Downtown Houston's Crawford Street. Any fan catching a home run receives a gift card to Landry's, Inc. restaurants.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.astrosseatingchart.com/houston-astros-crawford-boxes/#axzz2cpnqqqr7|title=astrosseatingchart.com|website=www.astrosseatingchart.com}}</ref>

Landry's, Inc., owns aquariums in [[Houston]], [[Denver]], [[Nashville]], and [[Kemah, Texas]]. All aquariums contain restaurants branded in Landry's Aquarium subsidiary.

* [[Downtown Aquarium, Houston]]: a [[public aquarium]] and restaurant located in [[Houston|Houston, Texas]], United States, that was developed from two Houston landmarks: Fire Station No. 1 and the Central Waterworks Building. The aquarium is located on a {{convert|6|acre|ha|adj=on}} site at 410 Bagby St. in downtown Houston. It houses over 200 species of aquatic animals in {{convert|500000|gal|L}} of aquariums. The complex includes two restaurants, a bar, and banquet facilities. The Downtown Aquarium in Houston is owned and operated by Landry's, Inc., and accredited by the [[Association of Zoos and Aquariums]] (AZA).

* [[Downtown Aquarium, Denver]]: a [[public aquarium]] and [[restaurant]] located in [[Denver]], [[Colorado]], at the intersection of [https://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=700+water+st+80211 I-25 and 23rd Ave]. The {{convert|107000|sqft|m2}} main building sits on a {{convert|17|acre|ha|adj=on}} site adjacent to the [[South Platte River]]. Its [[freshwater]] and [[sea water|marine]] aquaria total approximately {{convert|1000000|gal|L|-3}}, and exhibit a variety of fish and other animals. The Downtown Aquarium in Denver is owned and operated by [[Landry's Restaurants|Landry's Restaurants, Inc.]],<ref name="landrysrestaurants">{{cite web |url=http://www.landrysrestaurants.com/pages/restaurants/pg_rest_dtaq.htm |title=Downtown Aquarium |work=landrysrestaurants.com |publisher=Landry's Restaurants, Inc. |access-date=12 August 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050413033558/http://www.landrysrestaurants.com/pages/restaurants/pg_rest_dtaq.htm |archive-date=13 April 2005 }}</ref> and is the largest aquarium between [[Chicago]] and [[California]].<ref name="hellodenver">{{cite web|url=http://www.hellodenver.com/Articles/Attraction/336/The_Denver_Aquarium_Visit_the_ocean_close_to_home.Cfm |title=The Denver Aquarium: Visit the ocean close to home |work=hellodenver.com |publisher=HelloDenver |access-date=13 August 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100202065745/http://www.hellodenver.com/Articles/Attraction/336/The_Denver_Aquarium_Visit_the_ocean_close_to_home.Cfm |archive-date= 2 February 2010 }}</ref> It is accredited by the [[Association of Zoos and Aquariums]] (AZA).

==White tiger exhibit==

On September 19, 2016, a consortium of parties, including the [[Animal Legal Defense Fund]] (ALDF), sent Landry's a notice of an intended lawsuit against it under the [[Endangered Species Act of 1973|Endangered Species Act]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://law.justia.com/cases/texas/fourteenth-court-of-appeals/2018/14-17-00207-cv-0.html|title=''Landry's, Inc. and Houston Aquarium, Inc. v. Animal Legal Defense Fund, Carney Anne Nasser, and Cheryl Conley Appeal'' from 334th District Court of Harris County (opinion)|website=Justia Law|language=en|access-date=2019-02-15}}</ref> The lawsuit notice concerned the alleged treatment and habitat conditions of four white tigers exhibited at the Downtown Aquarium, Houston. The ALDF complained that the four tigers, which are federally protected by the [[Endangered Species Act of 1973]], “are kept in deplorable conditions” at the Aquarium. According to a press release provided by the ALDF:<ref name=":0" /><blockquote>"For the last 12 years, Landry’s has deprived these four tigers [...] of any access to sunlight, fresh air, or natural surfaces. These species-inappropriate living conditions violate the ESA [...]. At no point do the tigers have the opportunity to run, jump, or engage in the full range of their natural behaviors. </blockquote><blockquote>"The dungeon-like conditions that the tigers are forced to endure at Houston’s Downtown Aquarium harm their physical health and psychological wellbeing and deny them much that is natural and important to a tiger," says renowned big cat veterinarian Dr. Jennifer Conrad. "It is cruel to confine complex, roaming carnivores such as tigers to a tiny, dark, artificial, unenriched enclosure where they never see any daylight, much less bask in sunshine, and are at risk for serious long term, debilitating injuries from being forced to live on slippery, unyielding concrete their entire lives." […]</blockquote><blockquote> "By forcing these tigers to live in what amounts to a concrete dungeon, Landry’s has profited financially, but caused the tigers serious mental and physical harm .... Retiring the tigers to a sanctuary will guarantee that the tigers may spend the rest of their lives in the species-appropriate conditions that they need and deserve.”</blockquote> Before the expiration of the 60-day notice period, Landry's sued the ALDF and its co-parties to the original lawsuit notice for defamation, business disparagement, tortious interference with prospective business relations, and abuse of process.<ref name=":0" /> In response, the ALDF filed a motion for the dismissal of the defamation lawsuit, citing Texas’ Anti-SLAPP law, which allows judges to dismiss meritless lawsuits filed against those who speak out about a “matter of public concern.”<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://azalaw.com/aza-wins-dismissal-landrys-defamation-suit-houston-aquarium-tigers/|title=AZA Wins Dismissal of Landry's Defamation Suit over Houston Aquarium Tigers |website= AZA Law|date=February 24, 2017 |language=en|access-date=2019-02-15}}</ref>

== Explanatory notes ==

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[[Category:Restaurant chains in the United States]]