Photo: David Miller
Let’s start by making one thing clear: If you’re not a millennial, chances are you won’t get the appeal. The 50-something head of RB’s art department literally said, “I don’t get it.” But Saved by the Max, the pop-up built as a replica of the diner from the ‘90s hit series “Saved by the Bell,” is drawing in hordes of 20- and 30-somethings who want to live the experience they religiously watched on TV.
Yes, it’s quirky. And it’s a one-off. But there are notes that operators of all sizes should take from Saved by the Max, which recently announced it’ll be open until the end of the year. Big indicators include how the vast majority of millennials in our office have tried to score tickets (yes, it’s on a ticketing system); and in that same elevator ride where the boomer seemed confused, the millennials were in awe—asking questions, wanting to see pictures and voicing their jealousy that I got in (because, yes, tickets are hard to score). Here are a few factors helping to bring in the crowds.