Why doesn't the restaurant resemble an actual Cheesecake Factory?
Since the early days of the Big Bang Theory, Penny's character (and later Bernadette for a time) has worked at The Cheesecake Factory. Clearly, this chain of restaurants has some sort of advertising agreement with the show.
However, their "Cheesecake Factory" looks nothing like the interior of any of their restaurants that I have been in, and reflects a generic color scheme and decor.
So, has The Cheesecake Factory just not put up enough sponsorship over the years to get full coverage, or is there some sort of legislation that prevents the producers from showing the inside of an actual restaurant? Or is it just practical concerns that if the sponsorship is dropped, there wouldn't be a need to redesign the sets?
Best Answer
Per OP's suggestion I am expanding my comment to an answer. (Of course, it will be nice if someone is able to find some additional information and sources.)
The following is mentioned in Wikipedia article on The Cheesecake Factory:
A fictional version of The Cheesecake Factory is used as a setting in the U.S. sitcom The Big Bang Theory. The show's portrayal of the restaurant, however, is not visually accurate to the real Cheesecake Factory. According to the company, it "does not have any sort of arrangements with the show. The Cheesecake Factory is really pleased to be featured in such a funny and wildly popular show".
Here is a link to the current revision of the Wikipedia article - in the case this information is changed by editing of the article.
Wikipedia gives as a source TV Q&A: ABC News, 'Storage Wars' and 'The Big Bang Theory.' I quote from there:
Q: On “The Big Bang Theory,” Penny works for the Cheesecake Factory, but clearly their version of the Cheesecake Factory is nothing like what it is in real [life] (at least here in Pittsburgh.) At best, I would liken Penny's place of employment to a Denny's. So, my question is, does the show have to pay to use the Cheesecake Factory name? Or better yet, why hasn't the Cheesecake Factory sued the producers for defamation? - Linda, 39, Castle Shannon
Rob: I've had a similar thought and last night I was at dinner with a friend who brought up how much it bugs her that the Cheesecake Factory on "Big Bang" looks like a Denny's without any prompting from me. There’s no mention of “promotional consideration” paid by Cheesecake Factory in the “Big Bang Theory” end credits so Cheesecake is not paying Warner Bros., which produces “BBT.” And why would Warner Bros. pay Cheesecake when “BBT” gives the chain a ton of free publicity every time it mentions the restaurant by name? True, the Cheesecake Factory restaurant set on “BBT” is smaller and not as spacious as the restaurant but if you adhere to the motto “any publicity is good publicity,” then this is great exposure even if it’s not 100 percent authentic in its presentation.
A spokeswoman for the restaurant chain says, “The Cheesecake Factory does not have any sort of arrangements with the show. The Cheesecake Factory is really pleased to be featured in such a funny & wildly popular show.”
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Is The Cheesecake Factory an actual factory?
The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated is an American restaurant company and distributor of cheesecakes based in the United States....The Cheesecake Factory.TypePublicFoundedAs a bakery: Los Angeles, California, U.S. (1972) As a restaurant: Beverly Hills, California, U.S. (1978)FounderDavid Overton16 more rowsDoes Cheesecake Factory make their cheesecake at the restaurant?
The cheesecakes aren't made at the restaurants. The cheesecakes are actually made on-site at bakery production facilities in Calabasas, California, and Rocky Mount, North Carolina. The cheesecakes are then shipped to the restaurant locations, frozen, where they defrost before being served to customers.What makes Cheesecake Factory unique?
The Cheesecake Factory puts a twist on many traditional recipes, leaving their customers with a true representation of American food. Their vast menu can accommodate large groups of people who all want a different dish and experience.Does Penny ever stop working at The Cheesecake Factory?
After seeing her big break with a small role in an episode of NCIS goes away when her scene is cut ("The Hesitation Ramification"), Penny becomes frustrated and quits in order to concentrate on acting full-time ("The Occupation Recalibration").Buying Eggs: What Matters (And What Doesn’t) | Epicurious
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Answer 2
Say you're a fan of the show, and you've never been to a Cheesecake Factory. You go there expecting a Denny's and you get the real thing. Are you disappointed? It's likely that you think, "Wow, this is way better than the place on TV."
That's good advertising. The best.
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