RFD Theatre

[shavethewhales]

The RFD theatre is being torn down. Kinda sad since it was a huge theater with major TV capabilities. It was supposed to be Branson's version of the Grand Ole Opry.

No word on what might be replacing it that I've heard, but the old Honeysuckle inn property was boarded up this Christmas season and is close by. Would make a great property for a huge development. Naturally, being Branson, we'll probably get another dollar general and strip mall.

[History Buff]

Originally the Ray Stevens Theater, right?

[biscuitcreek]

Was Ray Stevens, Country Tonight, and some other shows over the years. The old Caprice Motor Inn on the strip has also been torn down. The Dick Clark American Bandstand Theater is now the Pepsi Legends Theater.

[Okiebenz]

Wow the Honeysuckle shut down?  We used to stay there all the time and it was nice.   Sounds like a lot of changes going on, or just vacant properties being torn down.

[kbosch1]

We were in Branson over the weekend and took a picture of the RFD theater demo.  Moving along.

[shavethewhales]

Thanks for the photo!

Seeing it all opened up is going to make it clear how much prime real estate is there. I wonder if there are already plans for something new. I assume so since demolition isn't cheap.

[Okiebenz]

How long has it been since this has been open?

[kbosch1]

How long has it been since this has been open?

According to article on Branson Tri Lake News, no plans as of now:
Branson Tri-Lakes News reached out to a representative of World Choice Investments, who said the move was focused on the safety of the community.

“While we do not have any immediate plans for development, it was determined that removing the former RFD Theatre would be the best and safest course of action for our business and for the community,” World Choice International CEO Jack Lawrence said.

[kbosch1]

How long has it been since this has been open?

I've been trying to find an exact date, but the best I can find is around 2016.

[biscuitcreek]

How long has it been since this has been open?

I think 1 of the Acrobatic shows was there in 2018. When I was in Branson earlier this month I noticed that several motels on SOH Expressway that used to be independents now have banners up for various chains. I heard something last year about plans for the Honeysuckle to be renovated.

My hotel of choice the last few years has been the Barrington near the Mansion Theater. It shut down after Christmas for a major renovation project. I was told that when it reopens this spring it will have a Hilton affiliation.

There was an article in the Branson Tri-Lakes News recently about the city shutting down some lodging places by turning off the water due to lack of payment or due to lack of a current business license. Some had not had a current license since 2022.

[KBCraig]

How long has it been since this has been open?

I think 1 of the Acrobatic shows was there in 2018. When I was in Branson earlier this month I noticed that several motels on SOH Expressway that used to be independents now have banners up for various chains. I heard something last year about plans for the Honeysuckle to be renovated.

My hotel of choice the last few years has been the Barrington near the Mansion Theater. It shut down after Christmas for a major renovation project. I was told that when it reopens this spring it will have a Hilton affiliation.

Hotel branding doesn't mean ownership. Like fast food, branding is a franchise that means name brand recognition and a certain amount of standardization in services offered.

I also like small independents (for both food and lodging), but most travelers trust a big brand name and don't care to experiment. That's their loss.

[biscuitcreek]

Was in Branson this week and all that's left of the RFD Theater is the sign by the road. The Andy Williams Moon River Theater has been sold again to the KY company that has the ARK Encounter and the Creation Musuem. The theater is supposed to be developed into an interactive Biblical attraction.

The fencing around the Honeysuckle Inn is gone but it's still closed.

[shavethewhales]

It's definitely a shock to see such a large area look so desolate. In fact, that entire area now is so desolate - the closed Celebration City, crater where RFD was, closed Honeysuckle... heck, so much of the 76 strip looks like a wreck now. There are still empty lots where several hotels once stood that were damaged during the tornado - how many years ago? I noticed many hotels have switched hands to more generic "brands" and look a little more run down. Some have even transitioned into "extended stay" flea traps. Branson has never looked more rough in my decades of visits. It was better in 2008-09 even.

[runner1960]

We seldom go into Branson anymore. The rundown strip and fleabag hotels/motels do not appeal to us at all. Lots of great dining options in Reeds Springs and west Branson. Usually do a AirBNB for lodging off of 265 . The only thing we might go in for is when my wife wants a new Michael Kors purse at Tanger.

[KBCraig]

We seldom go into Branson anymore.

We rarely ever did in the '70s-'80s. There were no bypasses, 76 was a two lane parking lot, and a couple of music shows were the only thing that ever drew us east of SOTH.

We always stayed in Kimberling City or Branson West. When I took my family a couple of times in the early 2000s, we did the same thing.