The Chez Alcatraz bar in the San Francisco area of Universal Studios Florida has reopened to guests following its four-month-long refurbishment and remodeling.
Chez Alcatraz Reopens
Chez Alcatraz reopened on Monday, August 19, 2024 following a four-month remodeling that began in April 2024.
Much of the changes here are visual, with the roof of the structure having received a repaint. It was formerly brown, but is now white.
Thick ropes now wrap around the columns that support the roof of the bar.
Guests can once again get their favorite beers, wine, and specialty cocktails — like the “Jaws”-inspired Ocean Attack.
A shark-shaped pen cup sits on the white countertop next to a point-of-sale (POS) system. The bar itself has also been updated; it was previously wood and is now a white stone material.
The brown paneling remains behind the bar, but new tilework and spirit cabinets have been added.
The new tilework somewhat resembles fish scales and is a mixed palette of white and various shades of blue. The brown spirit cabinets have round tops and one shelf inside, with space to keep bottles on and below the shelf. This gives the bar a more coastal vibe.
The ship’s wheel that was once on this wall has been replaced by a bulletin board filled with advertisements referencing Amity Island and “Jaws.”
Here you can see a sign-up sheet for a Clam Chowder Cook Off, and a flyer for Mrs. Witte’s 6th grade art show.
A Chez Alcatraz postcard is on the right side of the bulletin board, with a homemade flyer for a missing cat named “Biscuit Baby Boo.”
Where the Chez Alcatraz window-like area was once located has now been covered with more scale-like tile and spirit cabinets. A kegerator can be seen on the far wall in the middle of the frame.
Finally, another framed bulletin board has been added to the bar. This one contains a menu for “Helen’s House of Huge Helpings,” the Amity radio station WJWS, various business cards, a set of keys, and the July 1991 Crow’s Nest schedule.
Universal Orlando Resort began taking contract bids to remodel Chez Alcatraz in February 2024. The project was described as a “remodel of an existing kiosk” and involved demolition, concrete work, millwork, carpentry, drywall work, painting, plumbing, electrical work, and more. A temporary bar was set up shortly after construction walls were erected so that guests could still grab a beverage in San Francisco while visiting the park.
What do you think of the new look for Chez Alcatraz? Do you like it, or do you prefer how it looked before refurbishment? Let us know in the comments.
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