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==History==
==History==
[[File:Medieval Times Dinner Horses.jpg|thumb|The introduction of the knights, pictured in 2008.]]
[[File:Medieval Times Dinner Horses.jpg|thumb|The introduction of the knights, pictured in 2008.]]
[[File:MedievalTimesSchaumburg.jpg|thumb|Medieval Times in [[Schaumburg, Illinois]], displaying the [[coat of arms]] of [[Peralada]], [[Catalonia]], and the Viscounts Rocabertí, lords of Peralada Castle.<ref>{{cite web |title=Peralada |url=https://www.costabravaliving.net/peralada--k37885 |website=Costa Brava Living |access-date=25 November 2023}}</ref> Medieval Times founder Jose Montaner was uncle to the Count of Perelada, with the Count holding stock in the company until 2016.<ref name="Mashed">{{cite web |last1=Swierk |first1=Adam |title=The Untold Truth Of Medieval Times |url=https://www.mashed.com/882954/the-untold-truth-of-medieval-times/ |website=Mashed |date=June 2, 2022 |access-date=29 November 2023}}</ref>]]
[[File:MedievalTimesSchaumburg.jpg|thumb|Medieval Times in [[Schaumburg, Illinois]]]]
[[File:Medieval Times Building.JPG|thumb|Medieval Times at [[Exhibition Place]] in [[Toronto]], [[Ontario]], Canada]]
[[File:Medieval Times Building.JPG|thumb|Medieval Times at [[Exhibition Place]] in [[Toronto]], [[Ontario]], Canada]]
The history of [[jousting]] [[tournament]]s in the [[United States]] began in the [[colonial history of the United States|Colonial period]] and the [[Antebellum period]]. The first recorded jousting tournament in America was the [[Meschianza]], which was held in [[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]] on 18 May 1778, during the [[American Revolutionary War]]. The event was organized by [[Major John André]], a Frenchman and officer in the [[British Army]], and [[Oliver De Lancey Jr.]], a general of [[French Huguenot]] descent, to honor [[General Howe|General William Howe, 5th Viscount Howe]], who was stepping down as commander of colonial British forces.<ref>Martin, p. 181.</ref> However, Americans were unimpressed; jousting would not become popular until the 1800s.<ref name="NJA 2">{{cite web |title=The Tournaments of Colonial Times |url=https://nationaljousting.com/history/colonial.htm |website=National Jousting Association |access-date=31 October 2023}}</ref>
The history of [[jousting]] [[tournament]]s in the [[United States]] began in the [[colonial history of the United States|Colonial period]] and the [[Antebellum period]]. The first recorded jousting tournament in America was the [[Meschianza]], which was held in [[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]] on 18 May 1778, during the [[American Revolutionary War]]. The event was organized by [[Major John André]], a Frenchman and officer in the [[British Army]], and [[Oliver De Lancey Jr.]], a general of [[French Huguenot]] descent, to honor [[General Howe|General William Howe, 5th Viscount Howe]], who was stepping down as commander of colonial British forces.<ref>Martin, p. 181.</ref> However, Americans were unimpressed; jousting would not become popular until the 1800s.<ref name="NJA 2">{{cite web |title=The Tournaments of Colonial Times |url=https://nationaljousting.com/history/colonial.htm |website=National Jousting Association |access-date=31 October 2023}}</ref>


The first jousting tournament recorded in the 19th century, listed as the "oldest continuously-held sporting event in North America", was first held at the Natural Chimneys in [[Mount Solon, Virginia]], in 1821. The tournament proved to be popular, and became an annual event, and the [[joust]] is still held each year the third Saturday in August on the same grounds.<ref name="NJA">{{cite web |title=The Romantic Revival |url=https://nationaljousting.com/history/romantic.htm |website=National Jousting Association |access-date=31 October 2023}}</ref>
The first jousting tournament recorded in the 19th century, listed as the "oldest continuously-held sporting event in North America", was first held at the Natural Chimneys in [[Mount Solon, Virginia]], in 1821. The tournament proved to be popular, becoming an annual event, and the [[joust]] is still held each year the third Saturday in August on the same grounds.<ref name="NJA">{{cite web |title=The Romantic Revival |url=https://nationaljousting.com/history/romantic.htm |website=National Jousting Association |access-date=31 October 2023}}</ref>


William Gilmor, a wealthy descendant of Scottish-born immigrant Robert Gilmor (1748-1822) of [[Baltimore, Maryland]], organized the second official jousting tournament event on American soil at [[White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia|White Sulphur Springs]], now part of [[West Virginia (state)|West Virginia]], on 28 August 1841. Gilmor had come up with the idea after witnessing the popular, but ill-fated [[Eglinton Tournament]] in [[Scotland]] on 29 August 1839.<ref name=NJA></ref>
William Gilmor, a wealthy descendant of Scottish-born immigrant Robert Gilmor (1748-1822) of [[Baltimore, Maryland]], organized the second official jousting tournament event on American soil at [[White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia|White Sulphur Springs]], now part of [[West Virginia (state)|West Virginia]], on 28 August 1841. Gilmor had come up with the idea after witnessing the popular, but ill-fated [[Eglinton Tournament]] in [[Scotland]] on 29 August 1839.<ref name=NJA></ref>


After 1840, jousting tournaments became [[popular entertainment]] in every [[Southern United States|Southern state]] south of the [[Mason-Dixon Line]]. During the [[American Civil War]] (12 April 1861 – 26 May 1865), tournaments were held less often, but still occasionally occurred, including one account of an Alabama [[Confederate States of America|Confederate]] cavalry regiment holding one such event at their winter quarters along the [[Potomac River]]. Per one description of the event, "They rode in rags and barefoot, but with great enthusiasm." There was another famous jousting tournament held during the Civil War on the lawn at Monticello near [[Charlottesville, Virginia]] in the fall of 1863, where "Confederate soldiers and their ladies hosted a splendid tournament when the Yankees were bragging that even a crow couldn't fly across the valley without their consent".<ref name=NJA></ref>
After 1840, jousting tournaments became [[popular entertainment]] in every [[Southern United States|Southern state]] south of the [[Mason–Dixon line]]. During the [[American Civil War]] (12 April 1861 – 26 May 1865), tournaments were held less often, but still occasionally occurred, including one account of an Alabama [[Confederate States of America|Confederate]] cavalry regiment holding one such event at their winter quarters along the [[Potomac River]]. According to one description of the event, "They rode in rags and barefoot, but with great enthusiasm." There was another famous jousting tournament held during the Civil War on the lawn at Monticello near [[Charlottesville, Virginia]] in the fall of 1863, where "Confederate soldiers and their ladies hosted a splendid tournament when the Yankees were bragging that even a crow couldn't fly across the valley without their consent".<ref name=NJA></ref>


After the end of the Civil War in 1865, and into the early 20th century, jousting tournaments remained a popular pastime among Southerners and ex-Confederates, with some even referring to the [[joust]] as the "National Sport of the South".<ref name=NJA></ref>
After the end of the Civil War in 1865, and into the early 20th century, jousting tournaments remained a popular pastime among Southerners and ex-Confederates, with some even referring to the [[joust]] as the "National Sport of the South".<ref name=NJA></ref> In 1962, [[jousting]] was designated as the official state sport of [[Maryland (state)|Maryland]], a Southern-adjacent state, by the [[Maryland General Assembly]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Md. Gen. Provis. § 7-329|url=http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmStatutesText.aspx?article=ggp&section=7-329&ext=html&session=2015RS&tab=subject5|website=Mgaleg.maryland.gov|accessdate=1 August 2018|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808035744/http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmStatutesText.aspx?article=ggp&section=7-329&ext=html&session=2015RS&tab=subject5}}</ref>


The first two Medieval Times-styled shows were developed in the late 1960s by Jose Montaner in Spain at [[Majorca]] and [[Benidorm]]. Montaner converted the [[barbecue]] restaurant on the family farm to entertainment and food venue. Actors portrayed 11th-century jousting of knights of the northern Spanish and southern French kingdoms of [[Aragon]], [[Navarre]], and the village of [[Perelada]], using stories derived from Montaner's family history. Montaner claims to be a descendant of [[Charlemagne]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104111166/medieval-times/ | title=Medieval Times | newspaper=The Miami Herald | date=August 7, 1988 | page=148 }}</ref><ref name="auto">{{cite web | url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1991-06-18-9102230919-story.html | title=Spanish Dinner Entertainment Harks Back to Medieval Times | website=[[Chicago Tribune]] | date=June 18, 1991 }}</ref> Accounts indicated that Tino Brana, who was involved in the jousting scenes from the 1961 film ''[[El Cid (film)|El Cid]]'', was involved in staging the jousts.<ref name="auto"/>
The first two Medieval Times-styled shows were developed in the late 1960s by Jose Montaner in Spain at [[Majorca]] and [[Benidorm]]. Montaner converted the [[barbecue]] restaurant on the family farm to entertainment and food venue. Actors portrayed 11th-century jousting of knights of the northern Spanish and southern French kingdoms of [[Aragon]], [[Navarre]], and the village of [[Perelada]], using stories derived from Montaner's family history. Montaner claims to be a descendant of [[Charlemagne]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/104111166/medieval-times/ | title=Medieval Times | newspaper=The Miami Herald | date=August 7, 1988 | page=148 }}</ref><ref name="auto">{{cite web | url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1991-06-18-9102230919-story.html | title=Spanish Dinner Entertainment Harks Back to Medieval Times | website=[[Chicago Tribune]] | date=June 18, 1991 }}</ref> Accounts indicated that Tino Brana, who was involved in the jousting scenes from the 1961 film ''[[El Cid (film)|El Cid]]'', was involved in staging the jousts.<ref name="auto"/>


In 1983, the Spanish investment group Manver (incorporated in the [[Netherlands Antilles]]) opened their first [[United States]] location in [[Orlando, Florida]], near [[Disney World]], and one of the biggest cities in the [[Southern United States|South]], having over 300,000 residents in 2020, according to the [[United States Census Bureau]]. In 1986, they opened their second establishment near [[Knott's Berry Farm]] in California.<ref name="auto"/> The franchise later expanded, opening locations in major cities in the [[Southern United States]] and elsewhere, including [[Atlanta, Georgia]]; [[Dallas, Texas]]; [[Myrtle Beach, South Carolina]]; [[Baltimore, Maryland]]; [[Schaumburg, Illinois]]; [[Lyndhurst, New Jersey]]; [[Scottsdale, Arizona]]; and [[Toronto, Ontario]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Locations |url=https://www.medievaltimes.com/locations |website=Medieval Times |access-date=31 October 2023}}</ref>
In 1983, the Spanish investment group Manver (incorporated in the [[Netherlands Antilles]]) opened their first [[United States]] location in [[Orlando, Florida]], near [[Disney World]], and one of the biggest cities in the [[Southern United States|South]], having over 1.4 million residents in 2021, according to the [[United States Census Bureau]]. In 1986, they opened their second establishment near [[Knott's Berry Farm]] in California.<ref name="auto"/> The franchise later expanded, opening locations in major cities in the [[Southern United States]] and elsewhere, including [[Atlanta, Georgia]]; [[Dallas, Texas]]; [[Myrtle Beach, South Carolina]]; [[Baltimore, Maryland]]; [[Schaumburg, Illinois]]; [[Lyndhurst, New Jersey]]; [[Scottsdale, Arizona]]; and [[Toronto, Ontario]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Locations |url=https://www.medievaltimes.com/locations |website=Medieval Times |access-date=31 October 2023}}</ref>


In April 1997, the [[Franchising|franchises]] in Florida and California sought bankruptcy protection after losing a court battle with the [[Internal Revenue Service|IRS]] that required the Buena Park location to pay {{US$|7.5 million}} and the Orlando location to pay {{US$|2.5 million|long=no}} in [[back taxes]] (equivalent to about ${{inflation|US|7.5|1997|r=1}} and ${{inflation|US|2.5|1997|r=1}}M in {{inflation/year|US}}). According to the IRS, Medieval Times improperly deducted royalties, loan interest, and management fees in the 1987 and 1989 tax years. When asked why the company was filing for bankruptcy the company's bankruptcy lawyer, Alan Friedman, said, "One of the primary reasons for filing was to prevent the IRS from beginning to seize any assets."<ref>{{Cite news | last = James | first = Granelli | title = Medieval Times Owners File for Bankruptcy | newspaper = Los Angeles Times | date = April 26, 1997 | url = http://articles.latimes.com/1997-04-26/business/fi-52496_1_medieval-times | access-date = August 11, 2009}}</ref>
In April 1997, the [[Franchising|franchises]] in Florida and California sought bankruptcy protection after losing a court battle with the [[Internal Revenue Service|IRS]] that required the Buena Park location to pay {{US$|7.5 million}} and the Orlando location to pay {{US$|2.5 million|long=no}} in [[back taxes]] (equivalent to about ${{inflation|US|7.5|1997|r=1}} and ${{inflation|US|2.5|1997|r=1}}M in {{inflation/year|US}}). According to the IRS, Medieval Times improperly deducted royalties, loan interest, and management fees in the 1987 and 1989 tax years. When asked why the company was filing for bankruptcy the company's bankruptcy lawyer, Alan Friedman, said, "One of the primary reasons for filing was to prevent the IRS from beginning to seize any assets."<ref>{{Cite news | last = James | first = Granelli | title = Medieval Times Owners File for Bankruptcy | newspaper = Los Angeles Times | date = April 26, 1997 | url = http://articles.latimes.com/1997-04-26/business/fi-52496_1_medieval-times | access-date = August 11, 2009}}</ref>


The shows change about every six years.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/latest-news/article16624853.html|title=Medieval Times ready to roll out new show|last=Palisin|first=Steve|date=May 31, 2012|newspaper=The Sun News|access-date=June 1, 2012}}</ref> A new show premiered in late 2017; and, for the first time, the lead role was filled by a queen rather than a king.<ref>{{Cite press release |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/queen-takes-the-reigns-at-medieval-times-castles-starting-october-19-300539685.html |title=Queen Takes The Reigns at Medieval Times Castles Starting October 19 |website=PR Newswire |language=en |access-date=April 1, 2019}}</ref>
The shows change about every six years.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/latest-news/article16624853.html|title=Medieval Times ready to roll out new show|last=Palisin|first=Steve|date=May 31, 2012|newspaper=The Sun News|access-date=June 1, 2012}}</ref> A new show premiered in late 2017; and, for the first time in the 34-year history of the franchise, the lead role was filled by a Queen, rather than a King. This change was due to feedback from guests who wanted to see women in more significant acting roles. The company also stated that it took two months to teach a Queen how to ride an [[Andalusian horse]].<ref name="PR Newswire">{{Cite press release |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/queen-takes-the-reigns-at-medieval-times-castles-starting-october-19-300539685.html |title=Queen Takes The Reigns at Medieval Times Castles Starting October 19 |website=PR Newswire |language=en |access-date=April 1, 2019}}</ref>


On May 31, 2022, employees at Medieval Times in [[New Jersey]] filed for a union election with the [[NLRB]], working with the [[American Guild of Variety Artists]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Medieval Knights LLC {{!}} National Labor Relations Board |url=https://www.nlrb.gov/case/22-RC-296686 |access-date=2022-06-01 |website=www.nlrb.gov}}</ref> In November 2022, employees at the Buena Park location also won a union election 27-18 to join the American Guild of Variety Artists,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/2022/11/12/1135839671/medieval-times-performers-in-california-unionize-following-months-of-debate|title=Medieval Times performers in California unionize following months of debate|last=Ahn|first=Ashley|date=November 12, 2022|access-date=February 23, 2023|newspaper=National Public Radio}}</ref> and initiated a strike soon after in February 2023 over pay and safety concerns.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/food/story/2023-02-15/workers-at-medieval-times-strike-citing-low-wages-and-high-risks-for-knightly-work|title=Workers at Medieval Times strike, citing low wages and high risks for knightly work|last=Breijo|first=Stephanie|date=February 15, 2023|newspaper=The Los Angeles Times|access-date=February 23, 2023}}</ref>
On 31 May 2022, employees at Medieval Times in [[New Jersey]] filed for a union election with the [[NLRB]], working with the [[American Guild of Variety Artists]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Medieval Knights LLC {{!}} National Labor Relations Board |url=https://www.nlrb.gov/case/22-RC-296686 |access-date=2022-06-01 |website=www.nlrb.gov}}</ref> In October 2022, the company sued the union over name and logo trademark violations; the suit was subsequently dismissed; MT was, however, able to pressure TikTok to shut the union's social media account on intellectual property grounds.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jamieson |first=Dave |title=Judge Tosses Medieval Times' Trademark Lawsuit Against Union |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/judge-tosses-medieval-times-trademark-lawsuit-against-union/ar-AA1huzEV |access-date=2023-11-22 |website=HuffPost}}</ref> In November 2022, employees at the Buena Park location also won a union election 27-18 to join the American Guild of Variety Artists,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/2022/11/12/1135839671/medieval-times-performers-in-california-unionize-following-months-of-debate|title=Medieval Times performers in California unionize following months of debate|last=Ahn|first=Ashley|date=November 12, 2022|access-date=February 23, 2023|newspaper=National Public Radio}}</ref> and initiated a strike soon after, in February 2023, over pay and safety concerns.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/food/story/2023-02-15/workers-at-medieval-times-strike-citing-low-wages-and-high-risks-for-knightly-work|title=Workers at Medieval Times strike, citing low wages and high risks for knightly work|last=Breijo|first=Stephanie|date=February 15, 2023|newspaper=The Los Angeles Times|access-date=February 23, 2023}}</ref> After nine months on strike, in November, the union said it would end the strike and return to work while the negotiating team continues to fight for a "safe and equitable" work environment for cast, crew and animals.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-22 |title=Medieval Times Buena Park employees end strike and will return to work Wednesday |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/medieval-times-buena-park-employees-011542859.html |access-date=2023-11-22 |website=LA Times via Yahoo Finance |language=en-US}}</ref>


Jose's son Perico Montaner is now the President and CEO of the private company, which is headquartered in Irving, Texas.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2016/08/07/how-medieval-times-survives-in-the-digital-age.html | title=How Medieval Times survives in the digital age | newspaper=The Toronto Star | date=August 7, 2016 }}</ref>
Jose's son, Perico Montaner, is now the President and CEO of the private company, which is headquartered in Irving, Texas.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2016/08/07/how-medieval-times-survives-in-the-digital-age.html | title=How Medieval Times survives in the digital age | newspaper=The Toronto Star | date=August 7, 2016 }}</ref><ref name=Mashed></ref>

As of 19 October 2017, Medieval Times had served over 65 million guests across its entire history as a franchise.<ref name="PR Newswire"></ref>


==In popular culture==
==In popular culture==
The chain was featured in the 1996 film ''[[The Cable Guy]]'',<ref>{{cite book|title=Race, class, and gender in "medieval" cinema|url=https://archive.org/details/raceclassgenderm00rame|url-access=limited|last=Ramey|first=Lynn T.|year=2007|pages=[https://archive.org/details/raceclassgenderm00rame/page/n121 111]|publisher=Palgrave Macmillan US |isbn=9781403974273}}</ref> and the 2004 feature film ''[[Garden State (film)|Garden State]]''. It has been featured in episodes of TV shows such as ''[[Friends]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0583646/characters/nm0001455 |title="Friends" The One with the Soap Opera Party (TV Episode 2003) |website=IMDb |access-date=April 1, 2019}}</ref> ''[[Cake Boss]]'',<ref>"Tournament of Knights and a Tasty Tiramisu" ''[[Cake Boss]]'', [[TLC (TV channel)|TLC]], June 14, 2010</ref> ''[[The Simpsons]]'', ''[[Hell's Kitchen (American TV series)|Hell's Kitchen]]'',<ref>"15 Chefs Compete". ''[[Hell's Kitchen (American season 9)|Hell's Kitchen]]'' episode 3. Season 9. July 25, 2011. [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]].</ref> ''[[The Celebrity Apprentice]]'',<ref>{{cite episode|title=Getting Medieval|series=[[The Apprentice (American TV series)|The Apprentice]]|network=[[NBC]]|season=[[The Apprentice (American season 12)|12]]|number=2|airdate=February 26, 2012}}</ref> ''[[Close Enough]]'',<ref>"The Canine Guy" ''[[Close Enough]]'', [[HBO Max]], July 9, 2020. [[Warner Bros.]]</ref> and ''[[Saturday Night Live]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Medieval Times - SNL | website=[[YouTube]] |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KKRiXcivAQ |language=en}}</ref>
The chain was featured in the 1996 film ''[[The Cable Guy]]'',<ref>{{cite book|title=Race, class, and gender in "medieval" cinema|url=https://archive.org/details/raceclassgenderm00rame|url-access=limited|last=Ramey|first=Lynn T.|year=2007|pages=[https://archive.org/details/raceclassgenderm00rame/page/n121 111]|publisher=Palgrave Macmillan US |isbn=9781403974273}}</ref> and the 2004 feature film ''[[Garden State (film)|Garden State]]''. It has been featured in episodes of TV shows such as ''[[Friends]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0583646/characters/nm0001455 |title="Friends" The One with the Soap Opera Party (TV Episode 2003) |website=IMDb |access-date=April 1, 2019}}</ref> ''[[Cake Boss]]'',<ref>"Tournament of Knights and a Tasty Tiramisu" ''[[Cake Boss]]'', [[TLC (TV channel)|TLC]], June 14, 2010</ref> ''[[Hell's Kitchen (American TV series)|Hell's Kitchen]]'',<ref>"15 Chefs Compete". ''[[Hell's Kitchen (American season 9)|Hell's Kitchen]]'' episode 3. Season 9. July 25, 2011. [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]].</ref> ''[[The Celebrity Apprentice]]'',<ref>{{cite episode|title=Getting Medieval|series=[[The Apprentice (American TV series)|The Apprentice]]|network=[[NBC]]|season=[[The Apprentice (American season 12)|12]]|number=2|airdate=February 26, 2012}}</ref> ''[[Close Enough]]'',<ref>"The Canine Guy" ''[[Close Enough]]'', [[HBO Max]], July 9, 2020. [[Warner Bros.]]</ref> and ''[[Saturday Night Live]]''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Medieval Times - SNL | website=[[YouTube]] |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KKRiXcivAQ |language=en}}</ref>


==Locations==
==Locations==
Line 71: Line 73:
==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}

===Bibliography===
{{refbegin|2}}
* {{cite book |last=Martin|first=David G.|title=The Philadelphia Campaign: June 1777 – July 1778|location=Conshohocken, PA|publisher=Combined Books|year=1993|isbn=0-938289-19-5}} 2003 Da Capo reprint, {{ISBN|0-306-81258-4}}.
{{refend}}


==External links==
==External links==

Latest revision as of 21:50, 15 April 2024

This article is about the medieval-themed dinner theater. For the historical time period, see Middle Ages.

Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament
Company typePrivate
IndustryEntertainment
FoundedDecember 20, 1983; 40 years ago (1983-12-20) in Kissimmee, Florida, US
Headquarters
Irving, Texas
,
U.S.
Number of locations
10
Area served
United States and Canada
ServicesDinner theater
Websitewww.medievaltimes.com

Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament is a family dinner theater featuring staged medieval-style games, sword-fighting, and jousting. Medieval Times Entertainment, the holding company, is headquartered in Irving, Texas.[1]

There are ten locations: the nine in the United States are built as replica 11th-century castles;[2] the tenth, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is located inside the CNE Government Building.[3]

History[edit]

The introduction of the knights, pictured in 2008.
Medieval Times in Schaumburg, Illinois, displaying the coat of arms of Peralada, Catalonia, and the Viscounts Rocabertí, lords of Peralada Castle.[4] Medieval Times founder Jose Montaner was uncle to the Count of Perelada, with the Count holding stock in the company until 2016.[5]
Medieval Times at Exhibition Place in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

The history of jousting tournaments in the United States began in the Colonial period and the Antebellum period. The first recorded jousting tournament in America was the Meschianza, which was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on 18 May 1778, during the American Revolutionary War. The event was organized by Major John André, a Frenchman and officer in the British Army, and Oliver De Lancey Jr., a general of French Huguenot descent, to honor General William Howe, 5th Viscount Howe, who was stepping down as commander of colonial British forces.[6] However, Americans were unimpressed; jousting would not become popular until the 1800s.[7]

The first jousting tournament recorded in the 19th century, listed as the "oldest continuously-held sporting event in North America", was first held at the Natural Chimneys in Mount Solon, Virginia, in 1821. The tournament proved to be popular, becoming an annual event, and the joust is still held each year the third Saturday in August on the same grounds.[8]

William Gilmor, a wealthy descendant of Scottish-born immigrant Robert Gilmor (1748-1822) of Baltimore, Maryland, organized the second official jousting tournament event on American soil at White Sulphur Springs, now part of West Virginia, on 28 August 1841. Gilmor had come up with the idea after witnessing the popular, but ill-fated Eglinton Tournament in Scotland on 29 August 1839.[8]

After 1840, jousting tournaments became popular entertainment in every Southern state south of the Mason–Dixon line. During the American Civil War (12 April 1861 – 26 May 1865), tournaments were held less often, but still occasionally occurred, including one account of an Alabama Confederate cavalry regiment holding one such event at their winter quarters along the Potomac River. According to one description of the event, "They rode in rags and barefoot, but with great enthusiasm." There was another famous jousting tournament held during the Civil War on the lawn at Monticello near Charlottesville, Virginia in the fall of 1863, where "Confederate soldiers and their ladies hosted a splendid tournament when the Yankees were bragging that even a crow couldn't fly across the valley without their consent".[8]

After the end of the Civil War in 1865, and into the early 20th century, jousting tournaments remained a popular pastime among Southerners and ex-Confederates, with some even referring to the joust as the "National Sport of the South".[8] In 1962, jousting was designated as the official state sport of Maryland, a Southern-adjacent state, by the Maryland General Assembly.[9]

The first two Medieval Times-styled shows were developed in the late 1960s by Jose Montaner in Spain at Majorca and Benidorm. Montaner converted the barbecue restaurant on the family farm to entertainment and food venue. Actors portrayed 11th-century jousting of knights of the northern Spanish and southern French kingdoms of Aragon, Navarre, and the village of Perelada, using stories derived from Montaner's family history. Montaner claims to be a descendant of Charlemagne.[10][11] Accounts indicated that Tino Brana, who was involved in the jousting scenes from the 1961 film El Cid, was involved in staging the jousts.[11]

In 1983, the Spanish investment group Manver (incorporated in the Netherlands Antilles) opened their first United States location in Orlando, Florida, near Disney World, and one of the biggest cities in the South, having over 1.4 million residents in 2021, according to the United States Census Bureau. In 1986, they opened their second establishment near Knott's Berry Farm in California.[11] The franchise later expanded, opening locations in major cities in the Southern United States and elsewhere, including Atlanta, Georgia; Dallas, Texas; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Baltimore, Maryland; Schaumburg, Illinois; Lyndhurst, New Jersey; Scottsdale, Arizona; and Toronto, Ontario.[12]

In April 1997, the franchises in Florida and California sought bankruptcy protection after losing a court battle with the IRS that required the Buena Park location to pay US$7.5 million and the Orlando location to pay $2.5 million in back taxes (equivalent to about $14.2 and $4.7M in 2023). According to the IRS, Medieval Times improperly deducted royalties, loan interest, and management fees in the 1987 and 1989 tax years. When asked why the company was filing for bankruptcy the company's bankruptcy lawyer, Alan Friedman, said, "One of the primary reasons for filing was to prevent the IRS from beginning to seize any assets."[13]

The shows change about every six years.[14] A new show premiered in late 2017; and, for the first time in the 34-year history of the franchise, the lead role was filled by a Queen, rather than a King. This change was due to feedback from guests who wanted to see women in more significant acting roles. The company also stated that it took two months to teach a Queen how to ride an Andalusian horse.[15]

On 31 May 2022, employees at Medieval Times in New Jersey filed for a union election with the NLRB, working with the American Guild of Variety Artists.[16] In October 2022, the company sued the union over name and logo trademark violations; the suit was subsequently dismissed; MT was, however, able to pressure TikTok to shut the union's social media account on intellectual property grounds.[17] In November 2022, employees at the Buena Park location also won a union election 27-18 to join the American Guild of Variety Artists,[18] and initiated a strike soon after, in February 2023, over pay and safety concerns.[19] After nine months on strike, in November, the union said it would end the strike and return to work while the negotiating team continues to fight for a "safe and equitable" work environment for cast, crew and animals.[20]

Jose's son, Perico Montaner, is now the President and CEO of the private company, which is headquartered in Irving, Texas.[21][5]

As of 19 October 2017, Medieval Times had served over 65 million guests across its entire history as a franchise.[15]

In popular culture[edit]

The chain was featured in the 1996 film The Cable Guy,[22] and the 2004 feature film Garden State. It has been featured in episodes of TV shows such as Friends,[23] Cake Boss,[24] Hell's Kitchen,[25] The Celebrity Apprentice,[26] Close Enough,[27] and Saturday Night Live.[28]

Locations[edit]

United States[edit]

Canada[edit]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ ""Castle Locations". Medieval Times Entertainment. Retrieved July 30, 2019.
  2. ^ Duncan, Kimberly Allyson; Rentz, Lisa Tomer (2008). Insiders' guide to Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand (9th ed.). Guilford, CT: Insiders' Guide. ISBN 978-0-7627-4407-7.
  3. ^ Reynolds, Christopher (August 7, 2016). "How Medieval Times survives in the digital age (paper version headline: "All in a knight's work")". Toronto Star. pp. B1–B3.
  4. ^ "Peralada". Costa Brava Living. Retrieved November 25, 2023.
  5. ^ a b Swierk, Adam (June 2, 2022). "The Untold Truth Of Medieval Times". Mashed. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  6. ^ Martin, p. 181.
  7. ^ "The Tournaments of Colonial Times". National Jousting Association. Retrieved October 31, 2023.
  8. ^ a b c d "The Romantic Revival". National Jousting Association. Retrieved October 31, 2023.
  9. ^ "Md. Gen. Provis. § 7-329". Mgaleg.maryland.gov. Archived from the original on August 8, 2016. Retrieved August 1, 2018.
  10. ^ "Medieval Times". The Miami Herald. August 7, 1988. p. 148.
  11. ^ a b c "Spanish Dinner Entertainment Harks Back to Medieval Times". Chicago Tribune. June 18, 1991.
  12. ^ "Locations". Medieval Times. Retrieved October 31, 2023.
  13. ^ James, Granelli (April 26, 1997). "Medieval Times Owners File for Bankruptcy". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 11, 2009.
  14. ^ Palisin, Steve (May 31, 2012). "Medieval Times ready to roll out new show". The Sun News. Retrieved June 1, 2012.
  15. ^ a b "Queen Takes The Reigns at Medieval Times Castles Starting October 19". PR Newswire (Press release). Retrieved April 1, 2019.
  16. ^ "Medieval Knights LLC | National Labor Relations Board". www.nlrb.gov. Retrieved June 1, 2022.
  17. ^ Jamieson, Dave. "Judge Tosses Medieval Times' Trademark Lawsuit Against Union". HuffPost. Retrieved November 22, 2023.
  18. ^ Ahn, Ashley (November 12, 2022). "Medieval Times performers in California unionize following months of debate". National Public Radio. Retrieved February 23, 2023.
  19. ^ Breijo, Stephanie (February 15, 2023). "Workers at Medieval Times strike, citing low wages and high risks for knightly work". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved February 23, 2023.
  20. ^ "Medieval Times Buena Park employees end strike and will return to work Wednesday". LA Times via Yahoo Finance. November 22, 2023. Retrieved November 22, 2023.
  21. ^ "How Medieval Times survives in the digital age". The Toronto Star. August 7, 2016.
  22. ^ Ramey, Lynn T. (2007). Race, class, and gender in "medieval" cinema. Palgrave Macmillan US. pp. 111. ISBN 9781403974273.
  23. ^ ""Friends" The One with the Soap Opera Party (TV Episode 2003)". IMDb. Retrieved April 1, 2019.
  24. ^ "Tournament of Knights and a Tasty Tiramisu" Cake Boss, TLC, June 14, 2010
  25. ^ "15 Chefs Compete". Hell's Kitchen episode 3. Season 9. July 25, 2011. Fox.
  26. ^ "Getting Medieval". The Apprentice. Season 12. Episode 2. February 26, 2012. NBC.
  27. ^ "The Canine Guy" Close Enough, HBO Max, July 9, 2020. Warner Bros.
  28. ^ "Medieval Times - SNL". YouTube.

Bibliography[edit]

  • Martin, David G. (1993). The Philadelphia Campaign: June 1777 – July 1778. Conshohocken, PA: Combined Books. ISBN 0-938289-19-5. 2003 Da Capo reprint, ISBN 0-306-81258-4.

External links[edit]

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