Sometimes in the course of prepping RePlay’s surveys, an operator might not have first-hand experience with the subject of our Question of the Month, but we still like to use that connection to find out how business is going in general. Such was the case when we asked Tennessee’s Bobby Hogin about card systems for the September issue (now arriving in subscriber mailboxes). Arcades don’t play the role in Hogin’s business they once did, but he reports that ATMs are big for them today. He wrote, “Overall, locations are doing pretty well for now. We had a good run with…
Author: Matt Harding
AVS Companies recently announced that Logan Schneider will be joining the team as director of FEC sales and service for the company’s South-Central region. Schneider graduated from Sam Houston State University in 2014 with an accounting degree and went on to do business development in the family entertainment industry. “Logan brings years of amusement industry experience from working with manufacturers like UNIS Technology,” said AVS’ VP of Sales Tony Shamma. “Working closely with distributors and family entertainment centers across the country, he was able to build strong relationships with the operators and their staff. We are thrilled to be adding…
TrainerTainment CEO Beth Standlee was a recent guest on LAI Games’ Arcadecast podcast, with the topic of “People First: The Importance of Training for Success.” LAI Games said Standlee “shared her wisdom and insights on how to have well-trained, happy staff that make all the difference in your entertainment venue.” You can click here to watch the conversation between Standlee and Tabor Carlton, the vice president of marketing at LAI Games.
Sk8 Expo 2022 will be held at Resorts World Las Vegas from Sept. 6-8. There will be not only the trade show, but a slate of educational seminars as well. The event will feature speakers from many backgrounds, including Dr. Christina Madison, Sam Carpenter, Frank Kitchen, Jeremy Veatch, Michael Rees and Scott Salter. For more information, visit www.rollerskating.com/sk8expo2022.
Amusement Products of Chattanooga, Tenn., will once again bring FEC Success Institute to their facilities from Sept. 27-28. “The family entertainment industry is continually evolving,” the company noted. “That is why Amusement Products brings instructors from around the industry to address the hottest topics and current trends that are crucial to the success of your FEC. Whether you are just beginning the process or already own a venue, FEC Success Institute can benefit you!” At the 2-day seminar, industry experts will share their knowledge, experience and insights on subjects including feasibility, attraction mix, construction, facility management, insurance, party booking, debit…
Russell Jones of Trinity Amusements is the new president of the Amusement & Music Operators of Texas, replacing outgoing president Danny Glaze of 2D vending at the association’s recent convention, held Aug. 25-27 at Kalahari Resorts in Round Rock. AMOA Past President Greg Trent was on hand representing AMOA. Smart Industries’ Jim Dupree was also at the event, reporting that topics at the annual meeting included a discussion from the group’s lobbyists focused on legislation that could impact redemption. Look for more news in Instant RePlay on this and a report on the meeting in the next issue. Get in…
Industry long-timer Anthony Yula of Haverstraw, New York, passed away on Aug. 23 at age 97 surrounded by family. Yula was the president of Mondial Distributing Inc. from 1973-1988. Chris Vecchione of Triple Diamond Gaming, who worked under Yula and later with him, wrote: “All who served under him knew him as ‘Mr. Yula’ (his son was ‘Tony’), with a great deal of respect as he had personal relationships with all 120 employees. Serving as general manager for MDI from 1990-1998 I had many dealings with Mr. Yula, and his advice (he NEVER shied away from offering it!) was always…
Columbus Square Bowling Palace in Ohio recently teamed up with QubicaAMF to add the company’s HyperBowling attraction to their facility. “We’re proud to have teamed with QubicaAMF to add a new kind of interactive social experience to the Bowling Palace,” said Julie Wells, the venue’s manager. “HyperBowling is bowling as you’ve never experienced it before. When redeveloping the Bowling Palace, our focus was to add more diverse and engaging entertainment options for our guests, and we think HyperBowling definitely accomplishes that goal.” Learn more at www.bowlthepalace.com and www.hyperbowling.com.
Sunview, a family fun center that’s been in Edinboro, Pa., for 34 years, recently opened a new candy shop and also broke ground on a new go-kart track that’s expected to be ready this fall. According to WJET, the go-kart track will cover about 1,200 feet and have 10 two-seater electric go-karts. Each race will take about 5-7 minutes. “Kids can ride with their parents, so it’s not just high-speed older people events. It’s more of a family fun attraction to add to our business,” manager James Ramey explained. “Everyone has been excited. We’ve had it posted since we opened…
Betson’s 11th Annual Northwest Amusement Showcase will be held Saturday, Oct. 1., at the Holiday Inn Portland-Columbia Riverfront in Oregon. The event is free for industry friends and family, and will run from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. with lunch, dinner and an open bar in addition to all the new machines on display and education sessions. Click here to learn more about the event and see the seminar schedule, which is coming soon. Visit www.betson.com for other details. You can RSVP by clicking here.