A real-life Cluckin’ Bell appeared at Comic Con last year, but plans to bring it back for 2023 have run up against a letter from Take-Two’s lawyers.
One of the culinary highlights of San Diego Comic Con 2022 was Cluckin’ Bell, a popup fast-food joint based on the fictional Grand Theft Auto eatery of the same name. Alas, the chicken is off the menu for 2023, as Take-Two Interactive has issued a cease-and-desist order that’s shut the whole thing down.
Smokin’ J’s had actually planned to expand its game-inspired grub for the 2023 event by doing a Burger Shot popup as well. Both in-game restaurants are prominent features of the Grand Theft Auto landscape: They debuted in GTA: San Andreas, according to the unofficial GTA Wiki, and have appeared in every GTA game since then.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming all GTA-lovers, Comic Con visitors, and local San Diegoians at these events to enjoy delicious food, drinks, and a truly unique videogame-inspired experience,” Smokin’ J’s co-owner Josh George told There San Diego.
