THE ARK: A TRANSFORMERS THEMED RESTAURANT - Will It Stand or Will It Fall?

In April 2023, Transformers opened The Ark, an immersive Transformers restuarant. Hong Kong has a strong transformers fan following, it’s where I grew up and every home I visited growing up definitely had more than 3 transformers toys, whether it be in the bottom of a toy box, or proudly displayed on a shelf, they were prominent and are much more than a household name. So a transformers themed restaurant opening in Hong Kong seems like a good idea, right?

[@jacobtampa2817]

I'm more surprised that Tokyo has a Russell street.

[@HightailCreations]

Come on…. I mentioned it’s Hong Kong multiple multiple times even in the first minute. Or in case you don’t know, Hong Kong is not Tokyo nor Japan

[@doggedogge3293]

Shame on this guy, everything Asian is Japan 😂

[@piecheese1214]

The Pin of Shame! *SHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAME!*

[@GlaDos321]

Thinking that Hong Kong is Tokyo is like confusing Berlin with friggin Moscow.

[@judicatorhurayth1927]

​@@GlaDos321 how the in the green earth God gift people think Berlin is from russia?

[@zackman9230]

Y'know, The Ark would probably make it big in places like New York or Las Vegas

[@davidreeves4556]

I would go 100%

[@brianng8350]

I think China would be a better option. The Michael Bay movies were a smash in China even as the later sequels lost audiences in US and everywhere else.

[@THE_MAINFRAME1990]

FOOLS, it should be at mt. saint helens

[@beefueater4586]

Not in new york lol

[@shotpack8374]

Hell yeah

[@guardianofthebrick6491]

I’m shocked universal studios Orlando does not have one

[@TimothyHaire]

yeah me too

[@_EWM_304]

If there was one in Orlando I would drive there everyday lol

[@LorenaCamargo-w7y]

The ark food is only a little better than bk it taste like a fusion of bk and McDonald's But may be to thick. And cost 60% more and besides watching Optimus and Megatron fight or grimlock jump scare and the merch there isn't much reason to go there also they need like 10k customers to stay in business.

[@lukestarkiller1470]

I really like the idea of themed “amusement park style” restaurants in regular places outside of amusement parks. Whether they’re Transformer themed or other IP’s or even just their own things like a jungle themed restaurant or a pirate themed restaurant. I think they would add a lot of fun to an area and bring some happiness to a lot of people’s lives.

[@lazer-ape]

they used to be more common. it's sad how few are left now. seems like its just down to rainforrest cafe and hard rock these days.

[@trashbagboys2610]

This needs to be in America

[@Toyandshownerd3740]

It would be sick in new York!

[@SlashTheWeasel]

Nay with New York! Have few of these around the country. Mall of America may do well with it.

[@Chris_Thorndyke]

Bring one to Atlanta

[@Spyanter2000]

100% need one at Universal locations. Blows my mind that Universal Studios in Florida still has a ride based off the second Bayverse film but nothing newer or better

[@gairethnelson]

Exactly. Or japan at least. Like why tf china?😂

[@Krimpov]

1:46 So the aliens are fattening us? ... Oh no... Oh no! Energon is people! ENERGON IS PEOPLE!!!

[@glory2cybertron]

not regular e, but synthetic e yes 😅

[@seant1326]

4:06 Pretty sure that’s just Cybertron with a planetary ring. Note the lack of Unicron’s iconic horns.

[@HightailCreations]

Oh my god it is cybertron

[@ZZtheDark]

@@HightailCreations XD I love this.

[@horrorstew3577]

OMG this is the coolest sh*t ive EVER seen. I hope this place continues to exist until I can fly there

[@treeckojoe6487]

I love the little Autobot buns.

[@PixelaGames2000]

I would absolutely love to go to this place, but sadly…i don’t live in Hong Kong. I live in the eastern part of the US, so…if the ark did come here, it should definitely be at universal, I’m sure it would be huge! I love themed restaurants like this, we need more of them.

[@brianng8350]

If Jolibee can be in Time Square, they can be in NY or FL. But it would be quite expensive.

[@BWayMotion]

i think it would be cool if they did a promotion where the decepticons successfully take over the base. it might break lore and character a bit but refreshing the story of the restaurant might help bring back previous and new visitors. (i’m not a marketer, i don’t know 💩)

[@piecheese1214]

Maybe for Halloween or something. Disney does something similar where the villains take over the parks, right?

[@Renkencen]

Dunno why but I find it hilarious that Megatron shows up on his own despite having the Nemesis behind him and basically have a game of Tag with Optiumus! Why else did he let him wander around inside of the Ark?

[@dubuyajay9964]

10:50. No Kids' Meal Toys? 😱😭

[@fegreninja7197]

That would’ve sealed the deal for 6 year old me

[@dubuyajay9964]

@@fegreninja7197 ^

[@vbetta8979]

NEEDS toys and a Transformer themed playground.

[@salliemagnaye1403]

11:42 I love it’s details, like the truck parts and the Matrix

[@jonathand.4088]

6:51 The Coke bit here was a very funny reference

[@allanbernabe38]

If they made two, then one shall stand, one shall fall.

[@HightailCreations]

The last 3 minutes of the video I do say they DID make 2. One stood and one fell

[@markmorris6721]

I need a beast wars café

[@DestinationRandom-rd6mn]

This was a clever idea i cant help but feel they would have had more success if they had teamed with hasbro for some exclusive figures

[@chrisvainio]

We need a bar called Maccadams Old Oil House.

[@Huneidu]

"All the Nightshades in the world are gathered here in Hong Kong." Perfect! ^ ^

[@harrisonwhaley7872]

I love that the gift shop has such a wide variety of toys. Fans of all ages can go home with something to celebrate their fun lunch

[@HenchmenNo616]

Nah, that's not unicron, no horns, it's cybertron. Diners are safe 😊

[@HightailCreations]

Yeah I can’t believe I didn’t spot that. The rings just shouted unicron to me.

[@JurassicRod]

I'd love to go there! UK never has anything cool like this.

[@RetroRanter]

Yep, we live in THE most boring country 😂😢

[@harryhandinata]

Yeah!!!

[@Lolxlol21_]

3:55 The fact TFP theme is used only further adds to the existing point of how Iconic that theme and TF related is. It was supposedly inspired by the Bayverse’s fall to earth theme (Autobots arriving on earth).

[@lemonherb1]

I remember seeing some review videos from around the time it opened, and even then I felt it didn't have the foot traffic to survive. It's too bad I don't live on that side of the world, or I might have paid it a visit, but no way I will plan a trip just to see a themed restaurant, no matter how much I am a fan of the franchise

[@Megatronfan1]

Yesss

[@rodri8914]

I wonder how optimus gets meat for his burgers....

[@cosmicXtropics]

Poor Megatron just wanted a burger

[@exilemediasrfvideo]

Should have one in Georgia the state of the 1986 movie. Home of Autobot city and Lookout Mountain

[@Danalysis]

I have no idea how this place is still standing lmao, like how is it still profitable? i havent seen a lot of people go

[@jolttrontitan2755]

Man I would die to come here. Wish I wasn’t on the other side of the world Sounds like heaven and a dream all in a spaceship shape package

[@TammyAng150]

I live in Hong Kong and I've went there once. However, the meal choices are quite expensive for local citizens and not many of them visit the place,mainly relying on tourists

[@dragonkings01]

need one in NYC, seems to be made for Times square and Las Vegas loves these gimmick shops

[@morestuff75]

The comedy is very satisfying part of the atmosphere. I wish I was there.

[@Spyanter2000]

We need this in America. For sure would be nice in big cities and malls. But would be AMAZING in a Universal park. For example Universal Studios still has a ride that’s based on the second Bayverse film which is insane. That ride either needs a new coat of paint for the modern Transformers Franchise or needs to be closed for the Ark to take it’s place

[@huylam6382]

They shouldve made the food more themed. It would be nice to pick decepticon burgers, cybertron chicken sandwiches, or unicron onion rings. An option to play some OST tracks from a Jazz/blaster jukebox

[@princessmoonstar6793]

Now that is SO COOL!🤩

[@morestuff75]

I think motorcycle jackets and dive suits would be good ideas for merchandise maybe even football gear brackets American style brackets.

[@200865mark]

Neat idea wish the states would have one

[@Rockoutloud345]

THE BUNS :O I WANT TO GO THERE SO BAD

[@morestuff75]

A book marked it because I wanted to remember some combinations of food that was served over there, but also I think there’s a possibility of augmented reality being used in entertainment in the future successfully in a place like this.

[@wobblewokgaming655]

I need it. I NEEEEEEEEED IT!

[@zaxitron2714]

I must go to this place now

[@Megs_the_gamer]

To bad I live in England because this is awesome

[@RetroRanter]

England needs to start embracing fun, I hate how boring our country is 😂😢

[@gentalrobots3988]

If there’s a bunch of energon inspired jello deserts and perhaps energon themed adult drinks 😏 I’d bet on it lasting but if it’s a bunch of greasy salty food then idk robots aren’t exactly appetizing a steak knife that looks like the star saber would be cool tho

[@TheSandwhichman108]

And the ark themed… Me: .0-0…You’re joking right? Cause that packaging looks suspiciously like a- …Disposable gloves. Me: Oh thank goodness. I love how he paused for a brief moment just to screw with us cause we damn well know what it looks like.

[@gordonschnick12]

I'd go, but i can't afford a round trip to Hong Kong.

[@Ianlee1977]

The Ark as a restaurant...more than meets the eye indeed.

[@radwolf76]

Gotta love that in this franchise, even the burger buns get black redecos.

[@edospina97]

I wish they had this at Universal Orlando.

[@typeelite9283]

You know… there was a cartoon that came out parodying this idea. Some of us can recall it was after the 1st live action movie came out.

[@talljoke]

The coke ad got a hearty chuckle from me.

[@SlashTheWeasel]

I want to go there. I live in America. I would take home the napkins, disposable gloves and anything else as sovernirs. Then I would go crazy with all the stuff I don't have in the gift shop like the tea pot! Hasbro needs to do this!

[@MadVagabond333]

"As a reward for helping us, we'll give you extra shiny McDonald's." And then the Deceptions can harvest our double stuffed meat sacks for more fuel.

[@dpfghela]

Amazing!!! It’s needs Cullen and Welker…. But amazing!!!

[@njdriving]

I thought this was a McDonald's promo. Hope it's sitll around if I ever get a chance to visit there.

[@VINNICENTE]

They should expand here I want to try it out

[@XenoJehuty84]

I need this....!

[@SamanthamusPrimeV28050]

Wish we could get the ark restaurant in the USA, in all states including Pennsylvania. Of course in all cities and towns in every state.

[@ArchOfWinter]

I was just in HK this spring. If I knew they were closing down, I would have visited it. I didn't want American style burger place after coming from the US, so I skipped it for things more local or at least localized.

[@brianmata1830]

America needs to do a nemesis themed restaurant

[@sagshan133]

If it were close to me I would go all the time

[@cedy413]

I really hope it stays in HK I loved it there, and hopefully it will branch out to other places while staying in HK

[@Deadpool1991pp]

I need it

[@brianng8350]

I give them credit for having some videos playing in the background to make it feel interactive. Gridlock stopping by was cute. But that is expensive rent. Doesn’t seem like Hasbro’s style. It might be better as a toy store for ThreeZero and Hot Toys and has a small cafe on the side? But “A” for effort. But the beef patty doesn’t look too good.

[@jeremytung1632]

It’s a neat idea but I don’t picture it having much staying power, you go once just to say you went and that’s it.

[@goldiandrubymii6320]

8:15 Decepticons attack!

[@ZZtheDark]

6:10, oh maaaaaan~ *_* 8:51, it's got a great floorshow too. 8:57, I miss Windblade so much. 11:24, wait...is that Brave Maximus? DAMN! 11:57, wow!! I'd probably enjoy this in Singapore. C'mon, man. This would be an easy sell.

[@Armor23OnPatrol]

Dammit they had once chance to called it macadams

[@Toytalks818]

California needs this place 😂

[@WesleyStogsdill-eo1cg]

Now we need the nemises themed restaurant

[@Digger318]

they've been doing discounts a lot lately... so very likely as soon as the rent contract ends, they will close... I've NEVER seen the place crowded or full... as for the toy shop, cheaper options every where in hk too.

[@silvertongue8104]

Gods I would love to eat there just once!

[@glory2cybertron]

I'd like to have an apartment that looked like that ngl

[@TheKnightEngineer]

This NEEDS to be in texas

[@swarlock]

Should be stateside in Universal.❤❤❤

[@hermanos1ai]

That burger looked hard and dry lol

[@HightailCreations]

It’s not though. Maybe because I took it home and it was 4 hrs after I bought it. But it was good.

[@CanadianZangief]

Should go to Akihabara

[@atomicdoggos]

Transformer's fans (Me included) are going crazy rn

[@Drooook]

7:13 disposable “gloves”

[@TempestGhost]

Ehhhhhh ok.

[@TheSandwhichman108]

Nah that ain’t gloves if you know what I mean.

[@mobilenation1104]

we love to go to the ark transformers restaurant

[@MyHandle4455]

This would do much better in a place like Universal Studios…

[@piglinplayz8391]

Put it in a theme park and they will make bank

[@Lemuel928]

The cybertronian energonic grilled chicken burger.

[@RetroRanter]

I'm from the UK but even I think its stupidly weird how a Transformer themed restaurant opened in Hong Kong and not America and a Dragon Ball theme park is opening in Saudi Arabia and not Japan..🤷‍♂️💰

[@49ers1975]

i hope it doesn't go out of business....it is a double edge sword....you want tons of foot traffic you go where all the people are but they will jack up the rent.....i think this would work in the USA...just put in an accessible area, dont over charge, and people will come...

[@armaninguyen1964]

Imagine a nemesis restaurant

[@DewlayLomo]

I tried going this past May but it seemed to have been closed after 8pm. 😢

[@ShaneSkaalerud-nk2jk]

I bet they will make the Nemesis restaurant. Burgers and pizza hot dogs, comes add fries

[@HightailCreations]

With the Ark barely surviving, I doubt the Nemesis would be anywhere in the future

[@ShaneSkaalerud-nk2jk]

@@HightailCreations if you first don't succeed try try again. Maybe maybe not. Maybe the people just don't like Autobots. In fact they might like Decepticons.

[@HightailCreations]

@ShaneSkaalerud-nk2jk pretty sure the Autobots are more popular in HK and in general

[@MrAlan1828]

Been there a few years ago, over priced Burger joint just themed. Located right across Times Square Causeway Bay

[@HightailCreations]

It opened barely a year ago…

[@tinlunlau1]

One of those locations is closing down.

[@TheArthurkan]

Autobot, Sold out!

[@Thrashedcrow]

Franchise me in the US!!!

[@willsheahan2213]

Where did you get that Moon figure? I didn’t think they made figures for last bot standing

[@HightailCreations]

They didn’t. Moon is originally from the Beast Wars II line.

[@willsheahan2213]

@@HightailCreations good to know

[@ShinkiroZero]

wow, you tried so many of their drinks. From a marketing perspective, it is never going to work when the rent is $1m hkd per month. Not to mention their target age group. Then again, "rumor" has it the parent company is only using this gig to move money from mainland to Hong Kong and then out of China completely.

[@martijnlie-hap-po9611]

Can I order a McAtron there?

[@notoriousbricks]

Is that a 3d printed omega in the back?

[@HightailCreations]

No it’s a KO Newage Omega

[@2012blueridge]

How do I get the Ark fry holder??

[@user-dy8rn8oo3s]

I want abudabhi mall 😢 😢 haral

[@AntiDecepticonCampaign]

WHAT?! Damn it! I’m not interested. I would rather this brand focus on distribution, ….. …..I’m still sour about not getting a ss86 Grimlock