The Truth About The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Restaurant

In 1974, the horror cult classic "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" had many movie-goers believing the film was based on true events. While the movie is mostly fiction, according to Cosmopolitan, it was loosely based on the life of Wisconsin murderer, Ed Gein, who was known as "the Butcher of Plainfield." In the film, the main antagonist known as Leatherface, along with his creepy family of cannibals, terrorize a group of young adults. If you've never seen the movie, we'll just leave the details to your imagination. 

Aside from the characters, the house of the cannibals is, arguably, the most important piece of this movie. An investor couple realized the money-making potential of this property and purchased the early 20th century Queen Anne house in 1988 (per Nothing But Nostalgia). Originally located in Round Rock, Texas, the couple hired a carpenter to separate the house into six pieces, then renovated and restored it in Kingsland, Texas where it was opened as a dining establishment called the Junction House Restaurant. Although the dining spot shut down in 2012, it later reopened as Grand Central Café which, per the menu, you can enjoy a hearty, delicious breakfast — sans human flesh.

Of course, some movie-based restaurants are more popular than others. For example, the "Forrest Gump" movie-themed chain, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., continues to grow in popularity since its 1996 debut and according to its website, has more than 35 locations worldwide. 

Unlike the Tom Hanks blockbuster, most people might not be able to name one actor who appeared in "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre," but that doesn't make the slasher franchise any less relevant. The film has been rebooted on a number of occasions and has even adapted into comics and video games, keeping the horror movie fresh in the public eye over generations.

The original film being marketed as a true story, along with realistic portrayal, adds to the allure of the cult classic, as many still believe the tale of the chainsaw-wielding maniac to be true (via Esquire). For horror movie fans, it's a pure thrill to sit and eat in the same building considered to be a house of terror, regardless of the quality of food or service. You can also purchase a coffee mug as a reminder that you once dined in the home of Leatherface (via Texas Hill Country).