On this solo episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Danny Gruening shares a powerful realization from a recent site visit to Rev'd Up Fun in Detroit, Michigan. Despite being open for eight years, the venue looked as though it had launched just yesterday. Danny dives into how owners and operators often become "blind" to the small scuffs, stains, and wear-and-tear that guests notice immediately.

"If your venue is a representation of you as an owner, or you as the operator, or you as the management team—what does your venue say about you?"

-Danny Gruening

This episode is a vital gut-check for anyone in the family entertainment industry. Danny challenges you to step back and evaluate whether your physical space truly reflects the high standards of your brand or if the "white noise" of daily operations has allowed your excellence to slip.

On this edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ sits down with Kevin Lonzo, founder of Lonzo Law, to discuss why the traditional "reactive" legal model is broken. Kevin shares his journey from FEC employee to industry-specialized attorney, explaining how attraction owners can protect their dreams through proactive counsel, subscription-based legal plans, and a deep understanding of the "three buckets of liability."

"The simple answer is: how do you approach it? You call your lawyer before you put your name [on a contract]. If you are a business owner, you have to think through what you’ve gone through to get that business open."

- Kevin Lonzo

In the world of Family Entertainment Centers (FECs), liability is a core part of the business model. From high-speed go-karts to immersive laser tag arenas, every attraction brings a unique set of risks.

On this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, we are debuting our brand-new, in-house designed studio set while Russ shares the latest industry insights straight from the aisles of the most recent trade shows. Russ and Danny sit down to deconstruct the massive shifts happening in the family entertainment world, from the psychological changes in how guests book events to the technology that is currently leaving traditional marketing in the dust.

On this edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ sits down with Robin Schwartzman and Tom Loftus, collectively as A Couple of Putts, to discuss their journey from a first date at a sculpture-garden course to competing on ABC’s Holey Moley and founding the American Mini Golf Alliance (AMA). This dynamic duo has traveled to over 14 countries and played more than 600 courses, transitioning from enthusiastic reviewers to sought-after design consultants.

"Mini golf is on par with what I think people do with restaurants these days. They don't want to just go to the same chain in every city… They want to go to something that's totally unique and have that special experience."

Tom Loftus

Tom and Robin argue that the best courses offer more than just a game; they provide a physical escape from our screen-saturated lives. Whether it is through localized themes—like the world’s largest paintball—or high-tech projection mapping that responds to the ball’s movement, successful FEC operators must prioritize intentionality in their design.

On this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ sits down with David Spira, the Co-Founder of Room Escape Artist and the Co-Host of Reality Escape Pod. With over 1,300 games under his belt, David brings a designer’s eye to the "Wild West" of escape rooms. We dive deep into the transition from software design to physical experience design, exploring why "hard" isn't always "better" and how the smallest details—from flickering lights to clean bathrooms—can make or break your guest's memories.

"The more that the environment and the things they're doing within it are reinforcing that they're in another world, the better they're going to—the easier they're going to find really surrendering to the experience. And that's what you want."

David Spira

Whether you’re a veteran operator or just curious about the magic behind the door, this episode is a must-watch in intentional hospitality for any entertainment venue.

On this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ sits down with Armando Lanuti, Owner and President of Creative Works, for a deep dive into the changing landscape of virtual and mixed reality. While VR was once viewed as a high-tech novelty, it has matured into a sophisticated anchor for modern family entertainment centers. Armando discusses how the industry has shifted from consumer-grade experiments to robust, commercial-grade attractions that deliver a consistent return on investment.

"How do I make this an attraction that's going to last you the five years that you want or more for your investment? Our goal is to make sure the product has the legs for you to get that amortization."

Armando Lanuti

For operators looking to invest in mixed and virtual reality attractions, Armando provides essential insights on choosing the right hardware, navigating ownership models, and ensuring that new technology complements your overall guest experience rather than complicating it.

On this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ sits down with Jerry Merola, Managing Partner at Amusement Entertainment Management, LLC, where we discuss how to navigate FEC financing.

Jerry shares his deep expertise on how the financing landscape has shifted post-2020 and why "pre-approval" is a myth in the commercial world. From the necessity of independent feasibility studies to the art of the 10-minute executive summary, this conversation is a masterclass for any entrepreneur looking to turn their entertainment dream into a sustainable reality.

"Banks are making an investment not just in a future business model, but they’re making an investment in the individual or individuals that stand behind it. They’re trying to understand the scope and the depth of the investigation... to really understand the viability and sustainability of the business."

— Jerry Merola

Don't let your project stall at the bank door. Listen now for the blueprint to FEC success!

On this special edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ concludes our special 4-part series featuring the finalists for the American Amusement Machine Association (AAMA) FEC of the Year award!

We finish our series with the one and only, Bucky Mabe of Downtown Flavortown (FACE Amusement) in Pigeon Forge, TN. Bucky shares how their "FACE" core values (Faith, Attitude, Consistency, and Excellence) serve as the 'north star' for a massive seasonal operation, and why they prioritize 'Plus One' moments to turn a standard outing into a lifelong memory. From duckpin bowling and arcade high scores to Guy Fieri’s iconic menu, learn how this 43,000-square-foot powerhouse became the most visited entertainment venue in Tennessee.

"When you launch a new concept, you don't really know how the guest is going to treat it. We think we know… but you don't really know until they start showing up. In this concept, people are coming for the food and staying for the fun, as opposed to just coming for the fun and maybe eating."

-Bucky Mabe

Bucky describes the secret sauce that leads with a world-class culinary brand to create a destination that appeals to an entirely new demographic.

On this special episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ continues our special 4-part series featuring the finalists for the American Amusement Machine Association (AAMA) FEC of the Year award!

We are next joined by Jenny Emley, one of the visionaries behind High 5 Exchange, who shares the heart behind their success, "Second Mile Service." This principle, inspired by Chick-fil-A, challenges team members to look past the basic requirements of their jobs to create a truly outstanding guest experience.

"We really believe firmly in that second mile service. Teaching our team… you have to give them their food, you have to get them on their bowling lane. But what’s that second mile service? We want to show that amazing guest service and go that extra mile to make sure that their experience is outstanding and that they want to come back and that they feel valued."

-Jenny Emley

Jenny explains how they tailor each new location to the specific needs of the local community—like adding pickleball in Florida or a live music venue in North Texas—rather than sticking to a rigid, one-size-fits-all model.

On this special edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ continues our special 4-part series featuring the finalists for the American Amusement Machine Association (AAMA) FEC of the Year award!

We are joined next by Chris Barton, Assistant General Manager of Uptown Alley in Surprise, Arizona. Chris shares how this 60,000-square-foot powerhouse has evolved from a bowling-centric hub into a diverse entertainment destination.

"The biggest thing that I believe sets us apart is service. I want my team to be able to tell me: What did you do today that the guest is going to remember tomorrow?" — Chris Barton, Uptown Alley

We dive deep into the "entertainment arms race," the importance of scratch-kitchen dining, and why "hiring the person, not the resume" is the secret sauce to creating unforgettable guest memories. Whether you’re curious about navigating tech trends or building community ties, Chris offers a masterclass in staying relevant through humility and extreme ownership.