By Douglas Hatt
Like many of us who grew up in the 90s, you probably have fond memories of pop culture touchstones like NSYNC, “The Rachel,” Nintendo gaming, and blockbuster films like Clueless, Scream, and Jurassic Park. If you had visited New York City during that era, you may have made it to the original Planet Hollywood—an iconic symbol of 1990s pop culture. With its movie set memorabilia, Hollywood-themed decor, red carpet star-studded events, and branded merch, Planet Hollywood became a destination for tourists, teens, families, and fans alike.
Planet Hollywood closed its Times Square location in 2020 amidst the pandemic, ending the era of dining on American favorites like Chicken Crunch and Planet Burgers in a shrine to movie stars, leaving a sundae-sized hole in the heart of Manhattan. But all has not been lost. In a modern-day revival, Planet Hollywood NYC reopened in early 2025 in a brand-new, 20,000-square-foot space at 136 West 42nd St., just steps from its original home.
Psst… Check Out Things To Do This Weekend in Staten Island
Now spanning three immersive levels, the reimagined space features a $20 million, state-of-the-art dining experience that trades the traditional memorabilia for interactive environments and high-definition screens feature interactive environments and high-definition screens. Designed to engage visitors of all ages, the new Planet Hollywood delivers a bold, contemporary twist on pop culture dining in the heart of Manhattan and now serves as the brand’s flagship and prototype for all future Planet Hollywood locations.
“What we really are aiming for is to be a canvas for people’s creativity,” says Jake Stackhouse, Director of Operations for Planet Hollywood. “If anyone wants to come in and do a fashion show, do an art exhibit, launch a new brand, we have the capability.”
In this latest iteration of Planet Hollywood, there is less emphasis on memorabilia and more on making the state-of-the-art high-definition screens that permeate the space a part of families’ experiences. This allows groups to be surrounded by real-time video of their own events as they enjoy them.
Budding influencers and TikTokkers take note: at the new Planet Hollywood NYC, guests can create vignettes, relive classic scenes from their favorite films, and enter the worlds created by their favorite movies. The top floor even includes a massive ceiling-mounted screen for ultimate video immersion. Moreover, the venue’s proximity to Broadway gives the restaurant ample access to today’s stars, so expect lots of star-studded events.
The menu is designed to please the pickiest palates and satisfy the hungriest sightseers. In addition to Demi Moore’s Chicken Crunch, Planet Hollywood icons include the Walk-of-Fame-High Roller entree, a sampling of five menu items, the Prime Rib Sliders, and the distinctive Chicken Pot Pie. Top those amazing dishes off with Planet Hollywood’s massive Make-Your-Own Sundae or an Over-the-Top Milkshake, and you’ll enjoy an unforgettable meal.
With its high-tech revamp, interactive design, and crowd-pleasing menu, Planet Hollywood NYC bridges the nostalgia of the ’90s with today’s advanced, immersive digital lifestyle. The return of this Times Square mainstay signals a shift from themed dining as spectacle to themed dining as experience—one that invites guests to observe pop culture and be part of it. And, while walk-in diners will find plenty to enjoy, the expansive space also lends itself to private events and group gatherings, with flexible setups that reflect the venue’s broader goal: to be a platform for creativity, connection, and fun—whether you’re hosting a birthday, Broadway afterparty, or simply reliving your youth over sliders and a milkshake.
Visit the new Planet Hollywood at 136 West 42nd St., Times Square, or learn more at planethollywoodnyc.com.
Psst… Check Out Pride Month Events in NYC for Kids and Families 2025
