T-REX Takes the Dining Experience To Another Place in Time

    In the trend-chasing entertainment industry, following the crowd can be a safe bet. But, what does it take to step out on a limb and create a concept that is unique and profitable?
    Judging by the example of T-REX, it takes guts and a great imagination. Steve Schussler of Schussler Creative utilized both of these assets to create T-REX, the dinosaur-themed restaurant that has captivated critics and even inspired the most unimaginative minds. 

Making History
    In the midst of a commercial jungle in Kansas City, Kan., stands the skeleton of a forty-foot Argentinosaurus, which appears to be munching on the leaves of palm trees that adorn the roof of a rock-shaped building. Between cascading waterfalls, a Tyrannasauraus Rex stares down at patrons as they carefully approach the prehistoric lair.
    Once inside, the restaurant bursts into life. Brilliant colors shine from glass lamps that are shaped like octopuses, the sounds of Jazz beckon customers to the bar, and massive animated beasts roar as patrons move about the establishment.
    “You feel like you’ve stepped into a modern day, prehistoric time,” Co-Owner Steve Schussler says. “We’re bringing life to the whole idea of dinosaurs but the concept is built, not just around dinosaurs, but water, fire and ice.”
    And ice is at the core of T-REX’s cool and whimsical watering hole. The Ice Bar –– a glacial-looking bar made purely from glass –– gives T-REX a touch of sophistication.  Separated from the restaurant by a 45-foot octopus that stretches across a massive shark tank, the Ice Bar serves up classy cocktails in a fanciful setting. The Dino-Tini –– which comes in five different flavors –– is a Martini blasted from arctic ice that is served so cold it’s still smoking, says Schussler.
    The Dino-Tini is served in specialty shakers that contain pieces of dry ice, so the drink literally is smoking upon presentation. The Ice Bar puts a prehistoric twist on all of the traditional favorites such as the Cosmo-Paleo-Tini, the Raptor Rita and the Caveman Punch. The Watering Hole menu also offers an immense selection of red and white wines, as well as imported and domestic beer.
“We were able to bridge the gap of having a family restaurant with an adult bar,” Schussler says. “At T-REX, whimsicality and reality meet to educate and entertain. I don’t think there’s anything like it in the world.”

Profitable Prehistoric Risk
    Every aspect of T-REX is undeniably unique. From the animated T-rex that greets guests as they enter the establishment, to the excavation pit that give possible-paleontologists the chance to dig up fake fossils, to the retail store with the only Build-a-Dino station in the world, T-REX is a place to eat, shop, explore and discover says Schussler. And the food is just as fantastic as the overall experience. T-REX serves up a selection of dino-themed delights such as Prehistoric Pizzas, Gigantosaurus Burgers and Fire-Roasted Rotisserie Chicken.
    The idea of placing a sophisticated bar, kid-friendly attractions and animated dinosaurs in a distinguished restaurant was a risky yet rewarding move. To achieve success with such a broad concept, Schussler relied on his past experience, his creative team and financial help from the Legends Development Project of Kansas City to unite all of these contradictory elements under one roof.              NCB