Dolly Parton Vehicle Acquiring Pigeon Forge Competitor

[Leland Wykoff]

Fee-Headrick Entertainment, operator of the Comedy Barn Theater, Hatfield and McCoys Dinner Show, Smoky Mountain Opry Theatre, Frizzle Chicken Cafe restaurant, and theater ticketing and sales outlets, in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, has entered an agreement to be acquired by Dolly Parton associated World Choice Investments,  operator of Dolly Parton's [Dixie] Stampeed, and other properties such as Piriate Shows in locations such as Myrtle Beach.  

https://www.wbir.com/article/news/local/4-pigeon-forge-theaters-could-soon-be-under-new-ownership/51-618120623

The deal is expected to close late this year. 

Sources report the sale will include the assets of the extensive show tickiting business and related assets such as wearhouse facilities associated with Fee-Headrick Entertainment operations.  

The news of the sale came as a surprise to employees of FHE. Industry watchers and observers had been expecting a shake up in the Pigeon Forge theater scene. 

WCI has struggled, for two years, as they have desperately tried to find the formula to make the former Lumberjack Feud successful, since its acquisition.

The revamped show and theatre was announced as Dolly Parton's Lumberjack Adventure to muck fanfare.  The Washington Post and other media outlets did major stories and puff pieces extolling the grand show, including the alleged multi-million dollar new sound system.

Despite the strong Parton brand and major investments the show was a flop.  Adjustments were made, the lumberjack theme was eliminated, and the theatre rebranded Dolly Parton's Smoky Mountain Adventure.  The new production found much less audience than expected.

Again, the theater name and show was revamped, and the production failed to produce the expected return.  Currently operating as Dolly Parton's Celebration! dinner show the reviews and performance has been extremely disappointing.  The local joke has become inquiring "if anyone knows the name of the show this week."

Celebration! was slated to be replaced by Dolly Parton's Pirate Voyage Dinner Show imported from Myrtle Beach.  This hasty announcement occured approximately 20 minutes prior to the scheduled announcement by FHE of the new Pirates Revenge Dinner Show to occupy a major Parkway frontage location.

The close announcements suggested WCI was attempting to steal the thunder of FHE announcement.  It seemed to underscored the difficulty WCI was having producing successful new shows.  WCI appeared to be resorting to plugging-and-playing a proven show in lew of developing fresh new productions and products.

The combination of five major theater shows is expected to create a juggernaut capable of marketing and capturing ticket sales for the evening time tourists are typically in the Pigeon Forge market.  Independent operators are frightfully concerned.

All of this shuffling could be a clue to other changes brewing in the theme park and tourist related entertainment industry.  No doubt this is not the last of the realignments coming to the exhibitor/entertainment companies.  

Rather, this acquisition suggests a wave of realignments is about to be unleashed.

 

 

 

 

 

[Leland Wykoff]

Fee/Headrick Entertainment awards long term employees with $5 million dollars in bonuses, as well as a five night cruise in the Bahamas, following the acquisition of the company by Dolly Parton vehicle World Choice Investments.

Employees are pleased to be acknowledged and rewarded by David Fee and Jim Headrick so generously as they share in the spoils of a top of market price with those who have helped grow the company. 

This taking care of employees was also evident two years ago when a devistating Firestorm roared through Sevier County and the Hreat Smoky Mountains National Park.  FHE lead in giving to recovery efforts with an immediate $500,000.00 initial gift.  In addition FHE provided unparalleled support to staff and the families of employees who suffered fire losses with housing, relocation funding, utility, food, and cash assistance.  FHE immediately opened warehouse and under utilized theatre space to organize and act as relief distribution centers and centralized receiving depots.  

Here is a local television story containing some details of the employee reward and bonus program:

 https://www.wvlt.tv/content/news/Pigeon-Forge-entertainment-group-to-give-employees-5M-in-bonuses-cruise--503073961.html?fbclid=IwAR3_qLJ9ljPnydoxx0yD-ERi7eObILwog7o1TiZGy9Bmmx_ZiXxVmmS13GQ

 

[Backlot Stunt Coaster#1]

Dolly Parton is a powerhouse.

[Rivertown Rider]

I'm a little surprised.  FHE has always seemed like the little engine that could and has continued to grow over the years.  The good thing that they have done is their bundling deals which has brought the ticket package prices down especially if you are seeing multiple shows.  I worry that with WCI that is going to go away which is going to end up hurting some of those shows.

[Leland Wykoff]

The Knoxville News Sentinel reports the deal has closed and World Choice Investments, Dolly Parton's dinner show theater vehicle, has now fully acquired the assets of Fee/Headrick Entertainment including Comedy Barn, Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show, Frizzle Chicken Restaurant, and Smoky Mountain Opry.  WCI has also acquired the ticketing business, along with warehouses and other assets, Fee/Headrick used in the normal course of business operations.     

https://www.knoxnews.com/story/entertainment/2019/02/01/dolly-partons-dinner-show-company-buys-fee-hedrick-entertainment/2743141002/