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So this might be a boring topic, but does anyone know why Buffett has two chains of restaurants? It seems that Margaritaville Cafes are more fun, but the Cheeseburger restaurants have more locations. Does anyone know why, for example, he doesn't open a Marg. Cafe in the NY/NJ area instead of a CIP? I'm thinking there's a difference in ownership stake -- or maybe Jimmy doesn't even have any stake in CIPs but gets some royalties or other compensation for lending out his image.

I've been curious about this for some time.
Thanks!

I believe the CIP is a joint venture with Outback Steakhouse.

CIP's are owned and operated by Outback Steakhouse, they licensed "Cheeseburger In Paradise" from Jimmy Inc. Mville Cafes are owned and operated by Jimmy Inc.

SmartWomaninShortSkirt wrote:So this might be a boring topic, but does anyone know why Buffett has two chains of restaurants? It seems that Margaritaville Cafes are more fun, but the Cheeseburger restaurants have more locations. Does anyone know why, for example, he doesn't open a Marg. Cafe in the NY/NJ area instead of a CIP? I'm thinking there's a difference in ownership stake -- or maybe Jimmy doesn't even have any stake in CIPs but gets some royalties or other compensation for lending out his image.

I've been curious about this for some time.
Thanks!

Cheeseburger in Paradise is a partnership of Outback Steakhouse, Inc. and Margaritaville Holdings - right now there aren't more CIP locations than Margaritaville Cafes CIP=2 (right now) Margartiaville = 6 (at the moment, I believe)

With the recent opening of CIP in Downer's Grove, I heard or read somewhere that Jimmy thinks Margaritaville's should be limited to actual tropical locations, which Indianapolis, Chicago and New York are not. So to bring a little taste of paradise our way, he thought the cheeseburger concept was more appropriate theme to the non-tropical settings.

Thanks to all for clearing that up. However, I disagree w/ Buffett's decision to limit Margaritaville Cafes to warmer locales. When I lived in Chicago, I thought a MC was just what the city needed in the wintertime! Would appreciate one in NYC now, although I don't think either a MC or a CIP would do well in Manhattan with it's "We're all so sophisticated" attitude. Guess I'll have to settle for a CIP in the burbs! Hopefully soon!

You're a smart woman Smart Woman! I agree 100% that a Margaritaville would make a killing in Chicago - perhaps down by Navy Pier, or anywhere along the Lake Michigan lakefront!

Tiki Bar wrote:You're a smart woman Smart Woman! I agree 100% that a Margaritaville would make a killing in Chicago - perhaps down by Navy Pier, or anywhere along the Lake Michigan lakefront!

Yes - the Lake Front would be great. They could turn that restaurant/bar at North Ave beach (the one that is shaped like a ship) into a Marg. Cafe. They could do a big water slide that dumps people out into the lake, like they have at the Montego Bay Marg. Cafe. I'd even consider moving back to Chicago if they did that!


Lunch time and time for the Buffett Buffet

AlbatrossFlyer wrote:CIP's are owned and operated by Outback Steakhouse, they licensed "Cheeseburger In Paradise" from Jimmy Inc. Mville Cafes are owned and operated by Jimmy Inc.

So...CIP is "corporate food", eh??

I know, I know...Jimmy can do whatever he wants.

A Margaritaville Cafe is supposed to open in the Mall of America next year 2004 or early 2005. Who says that there will not be any cold weather locations?

Mplsfins wrote:A Margaritaville Cafe is supposed to open in the Mall of America next year 2004 or early 2005. Who says that there will not be any cold weather locations?

Wow... I never heard that... Hope they make it.. Tough place for a bar.. Many have closed....


BTW - Don't know of many Minnesota parrotheads on Buffettnews...
Who else posts here that you know......
Glad to meet someone local....

I would think M-Ville's would do even better in colder climates. In those areas people love to take advantage of outdoor eateries when its nice out and in the winter they're looking for a place to forget about the cold. I wouldn't be surprised at all if they start popping up in northern areas. The more the better I say.

Are you tryin' to stir the pot, Tryin to Reason?

Cajunph wrote:Are you tryin' to stir the pot, Tryin to Reason?

Aye, matey!!

tryin' to reason wrote:

Cajunph wrote:Are you tryin' to stir the pot, Tryin to Reason?

Aye, matey!!

I like corporate cheeseburgers! They're tasty!!!

phinhead wrote:

tryin' to reason wrote:

Cajunph wrote:Are you tryin' to stir the pot, Tryin to Reason?

Aye, matey!!

I like corporate cheeseburgers! They're tasty!!!

And so-o-o-o-o-o consistent!!!!!
You want phin fries with that??

So far....MARGARITAVILLES are limited to major TOURIST vacation destinations....I'm not sure they think they would survive as a local bar/resturant.....they depend more on tourist-fans of Jimmy's than locals to survive.....

CIB's, on the other hand...are exactly like the Aussie "theme" of the "Outback" chain stores in the respect it's just a "gimmick" name and theme...the chain actually has NO connection to Austrailia...it's just a neat marketing idea on their part...a way to make their stores stand out in the very competitive resturant biz. (They're based in Tampa, Florida)

"Cheesburger in Paradise" is just another marketing ploy, licensing the name from Jimmy. Their success is counting on exactly the same things they did with the "Australian Outback" idea....if it worked once...it should work again!

The menu DOES include the famous cheesburger...and some items influenced by the "theme".