I've been telling you bits and pieces about the CNN Grill outside the Pepsi Center here in Denver -- free ice cream, celebrities (Charlize Theron and Charles Barkley at left), good food, etc. But it really seems to be something one has to see to believe.
Up until just last Thursday, it was a regular restaurant called Brooklyn's. But CNN crews moved in and did away with all signs of its previous existence, both inside and out. Those familiar with Brooklyn's tell me it looks hardly the same.
Dozens of widescreen TVs -- all tuned to CNN, of course -- hang around the restaurant, as do several neon signs, a large CNN logo, and various pictures of CNN's anchors and reporters. Fresh paint coats the walls. Mixed in within the restaurant and upstairs is a large amount of workspace for CNN staffers covering the convention.
The network even contracted with a local brewery to develop its own brand of beer, called CNN Red Ale, and a chef to develop its own menu. And those lucky enough to get in with a special pass don't have to fork over a dime for any of the food, drinks, or dessert. And they can walk away with free CNN hats, shirts, pins, and other goodies.
We're told the price tag for the whole thing soars into the millions of dollars. And it will all be done over again next week for the Republicans at another established restaurant in St. Paul.
Comments