Following many others, UNIS has temporarily closed its U.S. and Canadian offices and LAI Games has done the same with its Dallas office, according to the respective companies. UNIS will shut down the offices for a minimum of two weeks (April 3 will be their day to reevaluate). “This closure will impact shipping and receiving, and we would advise that you reach out to a member of our team via phone or email support throughout this period,” they said, noting their factory remains in full operation to provide support to international clients. LAI Games said it made the decision in…
Author: Matt Harding
Editor’s Note: Scott Sherrod, CEO of Intercard, wrote an essay, “Stay in the Game: Overcoming COVID-19 in the American Amusement Industry” that he sent out to the trade publications, which we’ve published below in its entirety. The coronavirus pandemic is presenting the American amusement industry with unprecedented challenges, from mandatory closings of FECs to potential supply chain interruptions and shortages of parts and merchandise. While no-one can predict the future, I believe that amusement operators and suppliers are an entrepreneurial and innovative group that can adapt. This industry is small; we have to make sure we help each other through this…
Qualifying for the 2020 Golden Tee Mobile World Championship is happening now on Apple and Android devices. The free-to-play mobile golf game made its debut last fall and features a campaign mode, contests and head-to-head play. This year marks the debut of the World Championship Qualifier, which will be featured across eight separate events. The eight players who ultimately qualify will then have the chance to compete for more than $15,000 in front of a live audience at The Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas on June 13. The main arcade championship is also scheduled to take place this…
There’s no easy way to put it… all of the coronavirus-related recommendations – optional or mandatory – are putting dire strains on a lot of businesses. Temporary closures have become the norm, as have event cancellations and postponements. As FSR Magazine notes, eatertainment venues like Dave & Buster’s have been hit hard. That particular company, they mention, has temporarily closed its 136 stores across 39 states (plus Puerto Rico and Canada) until further notice, and has seen its stock plummet from as high as $46.25 per share last month to $4.87 per share last week. (It has since rebounded somewhat…
The Instant RePlay newsletter, which normally shows up in your inbox every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, will now appear Tuesday and Thursday as well. The dominant news will focus on COVID-19’s continuing effects on routes, game centers and FECs, while normal coin-op news will also be covered. Our duty, as we see it, is to show how trade members on all levels of the business are coping with this unique historical crisis…especially those helpful tips like exploiting jukebox and game rental opportunities that bring a measure of joy to people ordered to hunker down at home until the pandemic hits its…
Effective today, March 23, Bay Tek Entertainment is temporarily closing its doors through at least April 20, according to the company. “We feel this is the most responsible decision we can make at this time to serve both our people, this industry and our community.” Their statement continued: “For over 44 years, Bay Tek Entertainment has served the beloved amusement industry, and we acknowledge the almost instant pains that our industry customers, competitors, suppliers, partners and friends are feeling. The Bay Tek family will take this time to focus on our loved ones, the health of our people and of…
Betson Enterprises sent out its own temporary closure notice recently; as of today, March 23, all of their offices will be closed for at least two weeks. “This closure will include temporarily discontinuing shipments of all parts and equipment leaving or coming into any of our facilities from March 23-April 3,” they said. Their front office, accounts receivable, sales and technical staff remains available as usual via phone and email to handle any questions. Their parts sales reps will also be available to process factory drop ship parts (subject to factory availability). “We appreciate your patience and assistance in helping…
Gardena, Calif.-based Andamiro USA has temporarily shut down its main office and warehouse, and has “enacted the necessary communications protocols that will allow us to continue to support our nationwide customer base.” The decision follows the governor’s “stay-at-home” directive, issued March 19, which also ordered “non-essential” businesses to close. Andamiro’s accounting and administration departments had already transitioned from the main office to home offices. Parts, service and sales will now be available by email and phone (info below). “Despite implementing known health precautions, continued operations at our southern California facility must be suspended until further notice,” said Andamiro USA president…
As of late last week, Dave & Buster’s has closed all of its stores in response to the coronavirus. In a statement, CEO Brian Jenkins wrote, “During these unprecedented times we have been doing all that we can to continue to serve our wonderful guests. However, in accordance with health agency orders applicable to all restaurant and entertainment businesses and to ensure the health and safety of our community, team members and guests, we have made the difficult decision to temporarily close all Dave & Buster’s locations.” The statement continues to say that they’ll reopen “as soon as health agencies…
In response to the pandemic, Illinois recently announced a “stay at home” order for the state, which Stern Pinball is following. Their normal operations, the company reported, will be suspended until further notice – meaning production and receiving are closed. “We have arranged for many of our employees to work from home,” noted the pin maker. “Included are much of our product development, technical service, sales/marketing and accounting staff. We look forward to getting back to complete operations as soon as possible.” Get the very latest info on their social pages or via www.sternpinball.com.