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.

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

We first sit down with Doug Mechling, owner of Star Lanes Polaris in Columbus, Ohio. Doug takes us behind the scenes of their 35,000-square-foot facility, sharing how they transformed a former Circuit City into a premier bowling-anchored destination.

"I think the best compliment we get is when people come in and ask, 'How long have you guys been here?' and we're 13 years old. If you walked into our place, you would have no way of knowing." — Doug Mechling

Doug digs into how they have stayed relevant by mixing in high-tech hits like 501 Darts, but the fancy stuff only gets you so far. The real reason Star Lanes Polaris is a top-tier finalist is its obsession with the small, unglamorous details that stick with guests long after they leave.

On this edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ sits down with Laura Zorn, owner of Bravoz Entertainment in Jacksonville, to discuss the practical and profitable integration of AI in family entertainment centers. Forget the "robot takeover" tropes, Laura explains how she’s using smart automation to solve the biggest headaches in the FEC world. From hitting an 80% close rate on birthday parties to reclaiming hours of staff time, Laura shares the exact blueprint she used to move her team away from the computer screen and back onto the floor with guests.

On this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Danny dives into the historic turnaround of Curt Cignetti and the Indiana Hoosiers and his strategy for high performance FEC teams.

After decades as one of the losingest programs in college football, Coach Cignetti arrived in Bloomington and delivered a 16-0 perfect season and a national title by 2026. This isn't just a sports story; it is a masterclass in leadership. Danny explores how the "Cignetti Effect" applies directly to your Family Entertainment Center by translating Cignetti’s 3 pillars of success:

Get the right people (and let the wrong ones go).

Change the way your team thinks.

Stick to a process and a standard.

Are you ready to lead your venue like a championship coach?

In this edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ sits down with industry veteran Craig Buster (COO of Pinz LA and former GM of Wild Island Coconut Bowl) to peel back the curtain on why repeat visits aren't accidental. Craig shares why the first and last five minutes of a visit are your most critical windows and explains how empowering your frontline staff can transform a customer complaint into a "win" for your culture. From the psychology of a confused guest to the power of high-fives and senior league brand ambassadors, this episode is a masterclass in the relationship business.

In this edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ Van Natta talks all about why your FEC needs zombie loyalist. Utilizing Peter Shankman's book, Zombie Loyalist, Russ breaks down how small, obsessive acts of "surprise and delight" can transform your business. We aren't talking about expensive marketing gimmicks or massive capital investments. We’re talking about the power of the human connection: empowering your staff to go off-script, tailoring experiences so they feel bespoke rather than "cookie-cutter," and creating those "did that really just happen?" moments that guests can't help but share on social media.

If you're looking for low-stakes, high-impact ways to make your center the talk of the town, this deep dive is for you.

In this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ and Danny dive into the evolving landscape of Family Entertainment Centers (FECs), exploring the crucial differences between short-term fads and long-term industry trends. From the rise of mixed reality and personalized guest data to the game-changing efficiencies of AI and hybrid revenue models, we provide a "tasting menu" of the innovations that will define the coming year. Whether you are an early adopter or a cautious operator, this episode helps you filter the noise and focus on the tools that create authentic guest engagement and sustainable ROI.

In this holiday edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ Van Natta takes a moment to step back from the usual interviews to celebrate a year of memories and shares what's ahead. Reflecting on a massive year that saw viewership spike by over 122%, Russ shares exclusive data from Spotify and YouTube that highlights what truly resonates with the FEC industry—from deep dives into opening new venues to high-impact operator interviews. As we wrap up the year, we’re pulling back the curtain on what’s coming in 2026, including a brand-new studio set, more data-driven content, and a renewed focus on the financial metrics and guest experiences that move the needle for your business.

In this edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ Van Natta and Danny Gruening strip away the post-pandemic "baggage" of the word pivot to explore business pivoting strategies for FECs. They discuss the psychological hurdles, such as the sunk cost fallacy and ego, that keep leaders stuck in failing patterns and introduce a powerful decision-making framework categorized by hats, haircuts, and tattoos, as described by James Clear. Whether it’s refreshing an aging attraction or completely retooling a marketing strategy for a changing demographic, this conversation provides a roadmap for embracing change as a tool for long-term success rather than a reaction to fear.

In this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ Van Natta sits down with Creative Works Owner & President, Armando Lanuti, to unpack one of the biggest hidden challenges operators face: how to find (and fix) the real issues in your business. Armando exposes why many business owners only solve surface-level problems rather than the root issues. From weekly team pulse checks to the power of simply walking the floor, Armando shares how leaders can truly “inspect what they expect,” break intimidating problems into manageable steps, and use tools like the Five Whys to uncover what's actually holding their business back. This conversation is packed with practical, actionable insights for anyone looking to strengthen culture, empower teams, and create powerful and emotional memories through better leadership.