Building & Financing a Thriving Family Entertainment Center from the ground up – Part 2

Part 2 of our guide to building and financing a thriving Family Entertainment Center from the ground up.

Location Selection and Zoning, Design and Permits

The location of your FEC plays a crucial role in its success. Look for areas with high foot traffic, ample parking, and easy accessibility. Consider demographics, competition, and local regulations when choosing a location. Erick, founder and owner of Ground Control Park, found an awesome building in San Antonio that had previously been an indoor soccer facility.  Erick and his business partner gutted and renovated the building.

Zoning laws may dictate the type of activities permitted in certain areas, so consult with local authorities to ensure compliance. Additionally, assess the feasibility of leasing versus purchasing property based on your budget and long-term goals.

Design and Layout

The design and layout of your FEC should prioritize flow, safety, and aesthetics. Work with architects and designers to create a space that maximizes square footage while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere. Allocate space for different attractions such as arcade games, laser tag arenas, trampoline parks, mini-golf courses, and party rooms. Incorporate comfortable seating areas, concession stands, and restrooms for added convenience. Pay attention to lighting, signage, and branding to create a cohesive and memorable experience for visitors.  At Ground Control Park, Erick commissioned a local artist to create unique space-themed artwork throughout the entire park, again using special glow in the dark paints, providing Ground Control with a significant point of difference compared to their competition.

Attractions and Amenities

The success of an FEC hinges on its attractions and amenities. Choose a diverse mix of activities that cater to a wide range of interests and age groups. Invest in high-quality equipment and attractions that are safe, durable, and engaging. Working closely with a company called Best American Trampoline, they helped Erick and his partner with layout, design and the provision of some great attractions, including Olympic-style trampolines and glow-in-the-dark structures, to make the park environment visually pop.   Erick also wanted to ensure they had some more edgy and challenging attractions, like Euro Trance and Stunt Fall.

Consider incorporating themed areas or interactive experiences to enhance the overall ambiance. To complement the attractions, offer amenities such as party packages, group discounts, and loyalty programs to incentivize repeat visits and customer retention.

Licensing and Permits

Before opening your FEC to the public, obtain all necessary licenses and permits required by federal, state, and local regulations. This may include business licenses, health permits, amusement permits, and zoning approvals. Work closely with legal advisors and regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with safety standards, ADA requirements, and other relevant regulations. Failure to obtain proper licensing and permits can result in costly fines and legal consequences, so prioritize this step in your planning process.

Vendor Network

Essential to the successful and smooth operation of any FEC is a trusted and reliable vendor network.  From Tyvek custom wristbands to customized socks for venue visitors, cleaning supplies and everything in between, it is important to engage with expert vendors who are knowledgeable in the FEC industry.

With a third Ground Control park opening this summer in Oklahoma City, life is busy for Erick.  With the guidance and support of key suppliers like Samurai Products, the process of opening new venues only continues to get more streamlined.  “I’ve been ordering from Samurai since we opened the first Ground Control venue in San Antonio,” Erick explains. “Along with our customized socks, we also worked with Anthony and the team at Samurai to create some personalized socks for special occasions like Christmas and Halloween. These were a real hit with our customers, plus they provide an additional revenue boost for our park,” Erick elaborates.

“The socks have the benefit of enhanced safety for our customers whilst they are in our park and using the attractions, but it also helps with cleanliness and hygiene in the park.

Samurai have been really good at helping us out with keeping our inventory at an adequate level, and whenever we run out of a specific size, Samurai always can provide the back-up option of generic socks.”

Contact us today, we’d love to help you with your plans for building a world-class FEC and elevating your brand through customized products.