Betson Enterprises recently announced that Ray Borges, an industry veteran with more than 27 years of experience, has rejoined the company as an amusement sales representative based in the New England office. “Ray previously spent a decade with the company in parts and equipment sales from 1996-2006,” reported Bob Dipipi, vice president of sales and purchasing. “We welcome him back along with his wealth of industry experience, which will help us to retain and grow our business in the New England region.” Learn more at www.betson.com.
Author: Matt Harding
The latest Party Center Software webinar, streaming live on Thursday, July 22, at 2 p.m. Eastern time, is called Arcade Profitability: Boosting ROI with Redemption Prizes. On hand will be Josh Adkins, the account manager for Redemption Plus. He and PCS will discuss “all you need to know about merchandising, running a redemption center and more.” You’ll learn the value and profit potential of adding a redemption center to your arcade, the keys to running a profitable merchandise program and how to train staff to run your redemption center. Click here to register or learn more at www.partycentersoftware.com.
The Georgia Amusement and Music Operators Assn. reports that a “record high number” of exhibitors is already committed to their Southern Amusement and Entertainment Expo, held Aug. 25-26 in Duluth, Ga. Registration is now open. “We have a record number of exhibitors and we’re working on more,” said Christina Kaiser, executive director of GAMOA, which co-sponsors the event with the North Carolina Coin-Operators Assn. and the North Carolina Citizens for Free Enterprise. In addition to the trade show itself, there will also be a Casino Night event on Aug. 25 that will benefit the charity Bert’s Big Adventure. The Expo…
Chuck E. Cheese parent company CEC Entertainment is bringing the brand’s pizza into Kroger Company stores across the country. According to MarketWatch, the brand recently announced a licensing partnership with food manufacturer Flatlander Foods that will bring the pizza to frozen food aisles. Exclusive to Kroger stores, they will carry cheese and pepperoni options. They’re available for purchase at $6.99 each and include an offer for 250 e-tickets that can be redeemed at any participating Chuck E. Cheese location. Learn more at www.chuckecheese.com.
ATM Nation is mourning the loss of John J. Leehy IV of Louisville, Ky., who passed away on July 3. The National ATM Council reports that Leehy enjoyed a successful 15-year career in the payment processing and ATM management business, first with Payment Alliance International and most recently with Columbus Data Services. “A long-time member of St. Edward Catholic Church, John was a graduate of St. Xavier High School, a passionate sports fan and an avid outdoorsman,” they said. “John’s great sense of humor was loved by all who knew him.” His funeral was held on July 10 and he…
Horror fans will be pleased to hear that Spooky Pinball has announced that the classic 1978 film Halloween will be the backdrop of the company’s newest pinball machine. “I am very proud to help roll out the project I’ve been working on for a year and a half,” said the game’s artist Jason Edmiston. “For the FIRST time ever: HALLOWEEN PINBALL. I am a massive fan of this franchise, and it was a true labor of love. Working closely with the Spooky team, and the Halloween licensing family, we created an exceptional machine as a true team effort. I created…
The former Ryan Amusements bowling alley will reopen in Falmouth, Mass., as Timber – with axe throwing being one of the primary attractions. According to The Falmouth Enterprise, there will still be bowling as well. The business is still being renovated but is expected to open by early fall. The business partners behind the idea are Michael Mueller and Jacob Avakian, who tried axe throwing while on a trip out of state. “There was a time it was novel,” Mueller said. “Now you can watch it on ESPN.” The axe throwing space is replacing the former arcade.
Pandemic restrictions in Hawaii still remain after the state announced last week that it would relax some travel and gathering restrictions. According to Forbes, however, until the state reaches a rate of 70% fully vaccinated, it will continue its Covid-related emergency restrictions. The state is largely open as of June 15, but there are varying capacity limits on restaurants, bars and other businesses, and social gatherings are still capped at 10 people indoors and 25 outdoors. “Our residents have sacrificed and worked hard to get to this point, but we still have more to do,” said Gov. David Ige earlier this…
A month after allowing vaccinated people to visit indoor businesses like arcades and FECs without a mask, Los Angeles County has once again reinstated that mandate, effective Saturday, July 17. According to the Los Angeles Times, “The latest order not only puts the county further at odds with both the California Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – both of which continue to maintain that vaccinated people need not cover their faces indoors – but puts officials in the precarious position of asking the inoculated to forfeit one of the benefits recently enjoyed.” Covid-19 cases have…
Downtown Wilmington, Del., is getting a new recreation hall featuring duckpin bowling and a small arcade. According to The News Journal, the 5,700-sq.-ft. space called Wilma’s, first announced in January 2020, will open this fall. “We decided to hold back the project during the pandemic while more was learned about the virus and what the social landscape would look like,” said Sarah Lamb, vice president of design and marketing for The Buccini/Pollin Group, which is bringing Wilma’s to life. In addition to four duckpin bowling lanes and a small arcade, the venue will feature a full-service dining room and bar.…