Folk singer Arlo Guthrie leaves mark on new 'Alice's Restaurant'
Last Updated on 2/9/2010
Published on 5/6/2008
Written by Meredith Carter
"My favorite line in the 'Alice's Restaurant' movie was when I walked out and said, 'Just what I always wanted -- a friend with a restaurant,'" said Guthrie, who visited Hard Rock Park Monday to sample cuisine at Alice's Restaurant, a new sit-down eatery named for his song. "Today I finally got a friend with a restaurant!"
With that, Guthrie gave Alice's Restaurant -- the first restaurant of its kind that he has endorsed -- his signature of approval by becoming the first person to sign the yellow graffiti wall just outside the diner's front doors.
Guthrie, Hard Rock Park officials (including CEO Steven Goodwin and Chief Creative Officer Jon Binkowski) and local press sampled a menu of "comfort foods," such as fried green tomatoes and Calabash crab cake poppers, designed by Guthrie and Chef Tim Head.
Goodwin, who addressed the media before the food tasting, said, "Arlo Guthrie was the only name we figured on when we were planning a sit-down restaurant."
He added that Alice's Restaurant seemed like "a great fit for Hard Rock Park and a great fit for American music."
Sitting at a table topped by a Lazy Susan covered with photos of artists that influenced him, Guthrie said he never imagined "Alice's Restaurant Massacree" would have such a big influence on people today.
"I have no idea why younger people today are connecting to the song, but the important thing is that they are getting involved," said Guthrie, who will continue touring until August 2009. "I haven't seen this kind of enthusiasm since 40 years ago. A lot of young people are getting engaged, getting active, and that's what 'Alice's Restaurant Massacree' was all about -- making your voice heard."
According to Guthrie, he was skeptical when Hard Rock Park officials approached him about creating the theme restaurant (Guthrie said no when producers of the 1969 "Alice's Restaurant" film suggested opening a chain of restaurants.) However, he changed his mind once he saw what park officials had planned.
"Most theme park food isn't really cuisine, but they've created a nice space here. I look around and I see a lot of friends, a lot of people that influenced me," Guthrie said. "I love the idea that people can come sit down, not stand in a line with a tray."
Guthrie added that he was happy, too, to have input in the menu items.
"I made some suggestions and they made the changes. I was impressed by that," he said. "And it's nice to see real foods -- you know, stuff that comes from a critter."
The 1,500-square-foot restaurant features over 100 seats, folk rock-inspired decor (including framed posters from the 1969 Aquarian Exposition at Woodstock) and music and The Arlo Room, a reservations-only area. Alice's Restaurant will open June 2. Restaurant hours and prices are in the works, said Public Relations Manager Megan Winnett.
Though Guthrie will be on tour in Australia when Hard Rock Park hosts its grand opening June 2, he said he's eager to bring his children and grandchildren back to Myrtle Beach for a visit.
"I'm thrilled that someone has created a theme park based on music that's still important to people. Hard Rock Park has something for everybody," Guthrie said. "I can't wait to come back. My kids and grandkids will freak for it."
Guthrie said he's happy his music and his legacy will be a part of Hard Rock Park.
"The themes that run through the song -- questioning authority, speaking out -- are still relevant today," Guthrie said. "When years go by, ideas don't get outdated. Times have changed, but it's great to see that the 'Alice's Restaurant' era still means something."
About Arlo Guthrie
Arlo Guthrie, son of activist, writer, philosopher and singer/songwriter Woody Guthrie, became known worldwide when he released "Alice's Restaurant Massacree," an 18-and-a-half-minute talking blues song, in 1967. The song protests the Vietnam War draft from Guthrie's point of view. Guthrie was declared unfit for military service based on one arrest for littering (though Guthrie appeared in court, paid his fine and served a clean-up notice).
The singer played at the 1969 Woodstock Festival and has toured worldwide since gaining fame in 1967. He operates his own record label, Rising Son Records, and acted in the film version of "Alice's Restaurant."
About Hard Rock Park
Hard Rock Park, located off Highway 501 in Myrtle Beach, will conclude its three-week "soft opening" on Friday, May 9. After Friday, the park's hours will be 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and ticket prices will change to $50 for admission and the cost for parking will be $10. The 55-acre, $400 million theme park will host its official grand opening on Monday, June 2.
For more information, call Hard Rock Park at 843-236-ROCK or visit the Web site at www.hardrockpark.com.
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What a great story! It means a lot that Arlo's music and legacy will be a part of Hard Rock Park! I do believe he will stop by now then, wether by himself, with whatever band members he's touring with, and/ or with his delightful family, And by the way, keep an eye out for Arlo's daughter Sarah Lee Guthrei and husband Johnny Irion, fine musicians, constantly on the road, as well as Arlo's son Abe Guthrie and his band Xavier, Annie and Cathy Guthrie, also fine musicians in their own right. We, the many, many uncountable BLUNDERITE friends and fans of Arlo, will surely enjoy visiting Hard Rock Park...... Thanks! Kitty West Posted by Kitty West on 5/11/2009 |
