Vanity Fair Examines Medieval Times Operations

A new investigation highlights the corporate history and labor relations at the dinner theater chain.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Hospitality

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Vanity Fair’s latest investigation explores the corporate history and operational challenges of the dinner theater chain Medieval Times, based in Irving. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Vanity Fair has released an investigative report detailing the corporate background and operational challenges of Medieval Times. The article explores the history of the company, which maintains its headquarters in Irving.

Why it matters

The report sheds light on the internal dynamics of the entertainment brand, including past labor disputes that impacted operations. It provides a deeper look at the company structure of a business operating across North America.

Medieval Times operates 10 locations throughout North America and has been in business for over 40 years. The company previously managed a nine-month labor strike at its Buena Park site in 2023.

The players

Medieval Times

This dinner theater company operates 10 locations across North America and manages a specialized horse breeding program.

Vanity Fair

This monthly magazine covers pop culture, fashion, and politics, frequently publishing long-form investigative journalism.

The details

The investigation explores the history of the dinner theater company, specifically highlighting its long-standing presence in North Texas where it maintains a horse breeding program. The piece covers historical business decisions and organizational developments dating back to the 1990s.

Timeline

  1. The corporate headquarters and breeding program moved to North Texas during the 1990s.

  2. Development of a film project based on the theater brand began in 2013.

  3. Unionized workers initiated a labor strike in 2023.

  4. Vanity Fair published the investigative article on October 28, 2026.

Market Landscape

The investigation into Medieval Times reflects the broader rise of unionization efforts in the service and entertainment industry. This report highlights how established entertainment brands are facing increased public and labor scrutiny in a competitive market.

The report focuses on corporate history and labor relations, meaning customers can expect no immediate changes to ticket prices or theater availability. The information helps attendees understand the business background of the venue they choose to visit.

The takeaway

Understanding the corporate background of service businesses can provide guests with a more comprehensive view of their entertainment choices. Readers interested in labor trends may find value in tracking future reports on corporate management shifts.

Further reading

For more on industry developments, visit the Hospitality section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by D Magazine.