The Ohio Coin Machine Association’s 2025 Annual Meeting was held June 18-19 at the Hilton Columbus/Polaris. There were dart and pool charter holder meetings, sponsor presentations and a group networking event at Topgolf Columbus. The second day featured more of the same, plus the election of directors for 2025-28. New directors are John Comella (Cadillac Music, Cleveland); Scott Shaffer (Shaffer Distributing, Columbus); and Patrick Webb (City Amusement, Portsmouth). Continuing directors whose term ends in 2026 include Luke Adams (Pioneer Vending, Cincinnati); Jim Comella (Cadillac Music, Cleveland); and Michael Zappa (Lorain Music, Crestline). Directors with terms ending in 2027 include Brent…
Author: Matt Harding
Dave & Buster’s has appointed Tarun Lal as their new CEO. Lal has more than 25 years of experience at Yum! Brands, where he most recently served as president of KFC U.S. “After a careful and comprehensive search, the board is thrilled to announce Tarun as our next CEO,” said Kevin Sheehan, chairman of the board and interim CEO. “Tarun is a talented leader and seasoned operator with a highly successful track record of growing and improving businesses and brands in the U.S and around the world. We are confident he will have an immediate impact, grow our business and create substantial shareholder…
Amusement Products recently announced that its upcoming FEC Success Institute is heading to a new venue. It’s now scheduled for Sept. 23-24 at Fun Warehouse in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. “We’re proud to host an event that empowers new operators and strengthens our industry,” said Tim Marks, owner of Fun Warehouse. “FEC Success plays an important role in educating and connecting people who want to create great entertainment experiences.” The two day event is full of learning, networking experiences and hands-on exploration for those wanting to break into the FEC business. Expert-led sessions on attractions, construction, financing, operations and more…
Sacoa Cashless System is now offering KwikPay Contactless, a 2”x2” tap and go reader made specifically for standalone amusement machines like cranes, kiddie rides and the like. It connects via MDB or Pulse, installs in minutes and starts accepting contactless card payments right away. “Not every operator has a POS. Not every machine is networked. And honestly, not everyone wants to deal with complex installs, IT integrations or 30-day payout cycles,” Sacoa said. “Sometimes, you just want to plug in a solution, turn it on and get paid.” Operators who are already using the Sacoa Spark reader can utilize KwikPay…
The Arizona-based Harkins Theatres has opened its family entertainment center concept known as Harkins BackLot in north Phoenix, reports KTAR. “With Harkins BackLot, we are expanding our commitment beyond the auditorium to deliver an unrivaled social entertainment destination where guests can celebrate, play and enjoy unforgettable moments with friends and the whole family,” said President and CEO Mike Bowers. The location touts the state’s largest cinema-sized sports screen, known as BackLot Arena, and has 12 lanes of bowling, Krazy Darts and other attractions. Visit www.harkins.com/backlot to learn more.
Pat Ciniello of QubicaAMF, HeadPinz Entertainment and FastTrax has joined the extensive lineup of guest speakers and industry experts at the upcoming Foundations Entertainment University, set for July 22-23 in Fort Myers, Florida. Ciniello will be interviewed by AEM’s Jerry Merola. Among other speakers are Frank Price of FL Price, Russ Van Natta of Creative Works, Danielle Hardin of Party Center Software and Devon Clark of Funovation. Click here to register (the cost is $199) and click here to see the detailed agenda. As always, you can visit www.foundationsuniversity.com for more information.
After an extraordinary 42-year career in the amusement industry, including the past 22 years with Arachnid, TouchTunes recently announced the retirement of industry veteran Mike Gannon. “Mike is the rare kind of professional who blends technical excellence with genuine warmth,” said Sam Zammuto, former president of Arachnid. “He turned customers into friends, elevated our work, and left a legacy that will be felt for years.” TouchTunes added: “Mike’s name has become synonymous with integrity, passion and enduring relationships in the coin-op and amusement sectors. A beloved colleague and trusted partner to many, Mike has played a pivotal role in shaping…
Industry veteran Jim Hines recently came back to Univest Capital as their vice president and business development manager on the equipment finance team. With more than 30 years of experience and a strong network of relationships, Hines brings a wealth of knowledge and a customer-first mindset to the role, the company said. They added, “His return reinforces our commitment to delivering exceptional service and competitive financing solutions that support our customers and the growth of their business.” Hines said: “I am very excited to return to the Univest team! I look forward to helping all my customers, vendors and partners…
Betson Enterprises recently partnered with Elston Electric on a large-scale game room installation as part of Chicago’s newest arcade destination inside the city’s Salt Shed complex. Betson supplied and installed 45 of the 110 games that make up the venue’s 11,000-sq.-ft. arcade space. “Betson is family-owned and you can feel it – good folks in every department, top to bottom,” said Jim Zespy, the owner and operator of Elston Electric. “The service felt personal, and they took the time to visit our space and really get to know the vibe we were building. That made all the difference.” The layout…
A new, mini-golf-anchored FEC in Gulfport, Mississippi, called Hippie Fish recently opened at Centennial Plaza Resort and held a grand opening ceremony. The venue boasts two 18-hole putting courses, 130 arcade games and a full-service restaurant led by Chef Tremayne Davis. “The golf courses are exceptionally designed,” said Tessy Lambert, CMO of Lodging & Leisure Investments, LLC. “The restaurant serves high-quality cuisine and cocktails, and the setting makes people want to linger and enjoy the full experience. We are excited to introduce this concept to the already bustling Centennial Plaza Resort and invite fans into a lifestyle of better fun.”…