UPDATE 1/11/16: The owners of Rue La Rue Café are making things happen. There's still no word on an exact opening date, but by the looks of the cafe's Facebook page, the space is getting quite glammed up with beautiful memorabilia from Rue McClanahan.
Just take a look:
And how about this "Betty White Cake"? Doesn't it just make your mouth water?
And here are spiffy photos of some of McClanahan's mannequins, and even more framed portraits from her archive:
A few more things you'll spot at the cafe: A bathroom tiled like the one in "Golden Girls," a glamorous gold glitter floor and even a case with McClanahan's Emmy. Progress is happening, people! So if you love "Golden Girls," get excited, because soon you'll be able to visit all of this in person.
6/20/16: "Golden Girls" fans, book a flight to New York City, stat.
Michael J. La Rue, a friend of the late Rue McClanahan, who played Blanche Devereaux in the series, is set to open Rue La Rue Café in Washington Heights this September in honor of his friend, DNAinfo reports.
La Rue, who was the executor of McClanahan's will, told DNAinfo that he inherited her personal belongings and show business memorabilia - and that he plans to decorate the café with the star's items. That includes McClanahan's piano, which he intends to use for live performances in the restaurant. According to NBC New York, Rue La Rue has filed for a wine license. As McClanahan's son, Mark Bish, is involved in the café, La Rue told DNAinfo that Disney - which owns rights to "The Golden Girls" - will allow him to create official merchandise with images from the show.
After her passing in 2010, La Rue organized McClanahan's estate sale, which featured furniture from her East 56th Street apartment, several "Golden Girls" costumes and scripts, personal letters and artwork, according to Fox News.
Betty White, who played Rose Nylund on the show, will reportedly attend the café's ribbon cutting ceremony.
If you're still watching "Golden Girls" on repeat, it's because watching nostalgic television can be a kind of therapy, according to The Atlantic. Maybe that's why Chicagoans, too, are flocking to a "Saved By The Max" pop-up diner to taste test Lisa Turtle milkshakes and A.C. Sliders.
h/t: DNAinfo
