IGNITING PASSION!

Remember the passion, excitement, and maybe even apprehension you had when you first entered an industry or business you knew little about? Maybe you started your days eager to learn, excited to try new things, and had a burning desire for success. Fast forward a few years, (or maybe decades), and how do you feel now? I hope your passion and vision for the business remain strong and at the core of your long and busy days.

There’s nothing like a good article to inspire creative juices. This month’s cover story on reviving older centers ignites a fire in the belly to embrace the old while offering a new take for today’s consumers. Longtime proprietor Jim Barton of St. Louis shows there’s a lot of business — and fun — to be generated by refreshing older properties.

What’s happening in bowling and entertainment around the world?

This month, IBI’s international writer Paul Lane brings us a story full of imagination and creativity from a father-daughter duo in the Netherlands. Their passion for the hospitality business and a desire to provide the best possible experience to their guests have been a formula for success.

What if occasional staff meetings could generate over $100,000 a year? While meetings aren’t on everyone’s list of favorite things to do, this month’s marketing column might change your mind! Bruce Davis’

“Marketing Monthly” column is a thought-provoking read on adjusting prices, gathering input, and boosting revenue without an extraordinary amount of work.

“Amusement Alley” again this month!

Be sure to turn this month’s magazine over and check out the innovative “Amusement Alley” flip section which is included periodically throughout the year.

“Amusement Alley” features a variety of entertainment options that center operators might consider offering their customers. Whether your operation is a large entertainment venue, or a smaller, more traditional bowl, you’ll find something of interest in each issue. This month’s focus is on how lighting, sound, and special effects can boost your customers’ experience and bring them back over and over again. Flip over and read the entire section including a new column on maximizing cashless systems, game reviews, and more. IBI’s exclusive online-only content can be accessed at www.bowlingindustry.com. This month, our friends at Trustworkz bring us an informative article on the importance of utilizing digital marketing throughout a recession. Besides being effective, it’s a budget-friendly marketing avenue. AVS Companies shares four key factors in running a successful claw machine at your center. Who doesn’t love a claw machine? They’ve been a staple of the arcade for years and popularity with guests remains high.

As always, I love hearing from operators with stories to share and ideas that could benefit fellow proprietors. Please call or email me if you’re doing something unique or special. I’d love to talk.•

– Stephanie Davis, Publisher & Editor stephanie@bowlingindustry.com

PS: Don’t forget to sign up for the $30,000 giveaway. Register each month for your chance to win at www.bowlingindustry.com

Read These Top Stories Exclusively Online

The Staple of the Arcade Experience – Claw Machines

BY AVS COMPANIES

Claw machines have been an arcade staple for years. Having a claw machine in your establishment might seem like a no brainer, but making sure it’s a good experience for your customers is a must. AVS Companies explains the four key factors in running a successful claw machine at your business to keep your guests coming back for more!

Restaurant Staffing Shortage 2023

BY RESTAURANT365

The staffing shortage is hitting all types of businesses, family entertainment centers included! This is a problem that experts don’t see going away any time soon, but there are ways to combat it. While Restaurant365 is geared towards bigger restaurant operations, their tips for handling staffing shortages can be applied to FECs as well.

Recession-Proof Your FEC’s Digital Marketing

BY TRUSTWORKZ

Digital marketing might be one of the first things business owners scale back on during the time of a recession. However, that is one of the worst marketing mistakes! Trustworkz explains the importance of continuing your digital marketing throughout a recession, as well as budget-friendly ways to do so.

13 Facts About Texting That Can Help Your Business

BY FRED KAPLOWITZ

Nowadays, everyone is glued to their smart phone. When a text message comes through, it is looked at almost immediately. Fred Kaplowitz from the Kaploe Group gives 13 facts about texting that operators should take advantage of when creating a marketing strategy.

ALSO ONLINE…..IBI’S ANNUAL PRODUCT AND RESOURCE GUIDE FOR PROGRESSIVE OPERATORS.

and Family Entertainment Centers” is a unique publication highlighting new products and services that other operators love.

“What’s HOT & TRENDING for