5 Reasons to Diversify with a Family Entertainment Franchise

Deciding what franchise you want to invest in is a significant, life-changing decision. A simple Google search will lead you to thousands of franchise opportunities, ranging across a variety of industries, from fast-casual restaurants to automotive repair, gyms, and more. 

When it comes to narrowing in on one industry, the family entertainment franchise industry is a rapidly expanding field, and seamlessly fits into many investors’ portfolios. Launch Entertainment has built a strong foundation for its entrepreneurs. Since the first Launch opened its doors in 2012, it has transformed from a trampoline park to a full-service entertainment center for the whole family. 

Let’s break down the top five reasons to join the family entertainment industry and franchise with Launch:

1. Unique Attraction Mix

Projected $41 billion in annual sales by 2025, our unique mix of attraction variety sets us apart in the industry. From laser tag, bowling, dodgeball, rope courses, and more, Launch Entertainment offers a diversified attraction mix with activities for the whole family. Plus, our latest model enhances operations with our “Krave Restaurant”  and “Bar Hops” to add additional revenue opportunities.

2. In-House Manufacturing

At Launch, our in-house manufacturing allows for the flexibility of attractions to custom fit your space. Franchisees can work with the Launch design team to choose what attractions they want to incorporate into their park, while our in-house manufacturing keeps costs low and on schedule.

3. Semi-Absentee Model Conducive to Multi-Unit Operators

Operationally, our franchise is highly conducive for multi-unit operators. With the right team in place, we offer a semi-absentee management model, perfect for busy executives who do not have the time to run the day-to-day functions.

4. Corporate Support

The perk of franchising with an established concept like ours, is our operators get all the benefits of corporate support with proven systems in place. From site selection and construction to preparing for your grand opening, our team is there to support you every step of the way.

Unlike other concepts, our indoor family entertainment park is designed to attract customers year-round. Whether rain, snow, sleet, or shine, our concept operates  year-round with our awesome attractions and focus on the guest experience. 

5. Prime Markets Available

With ten years under our belt, we’re thrilled to expand our family entertainment park nationwide. Most recently, we celebrated our recognition once again by Franchise Times on the Top 500 List, which honors the top brands in the franchising industry. 

We’re expanding our presence in both new and existing markets across the country, leveraging our industry-leading and award-winning model to bring the Launch experience to every community.

 Learn more about franchising opportunities with Launch Entertainment.

Join A Family Entertainment Franchise with Recurring Revenue

The family entertainment sector of the franchise industry presents a unique opportunity for seasoned investors to turn their passion for active family fun into reliable recurring revenue. When entrepreneurs invest in the leading indoor family entertainment park, they are capitalizing on a world-class action park with a diversified attraction mix and semi-absentee model to reach untapped profit potential.

As the #1 market leader in the family entertainment space, we’re continuing to elevate our reputation with stable, recurring revenue. Let’s break down the benefits of diversifying with Launch:

Diversified Attraction Mix for Activities Year Round

The first step towards recurring revenue is providing services that are available year-round. Since each of our diversified attractions are indoors, families can enjoy every activity 365 days of the year.

Recently, we revolutionized our model with the rollout of Generation 3 parks. Expanding our initial park design, Gen 3 activates increased revenue potential with an expanded attraction mix, premium dining and broad market appeal. This new model can increase customer spend while at the same time keeping costs low through labor efficiencies.

Depending on their retail space, franchise owners can customize their activity offerings to best fit their target customer base. Our Gen 3 model features a full bar and Krave Kitchen to maximize ROI for children and adults of all ages. Backed by a strong franchise system and support, our in-house manufacturing lowers buildout costs and trims turnaround times for production. It’s one of the many ways we support our franchisees.

Semi-Absentee Model for Passive Income

With passive revenue potential, there’s no need to manage day-to-day operations. In fact, most Launch Entertainment franchise owners hire a general manager to lead the day-to-day operations and maintain an awesome culture for their employees. In addition, Launch Corporate provides world-class franchisee support including;

• Marketing: Our corporate marketing team will plan and execute all of your marketing campaigns.
• Creative: In-house graphics and video production to continuously create Launch content.
• Launch Guest Services: A full guest support center that will handle all incoming inquiries, book parties, handle online reviews, and more.

The sales ambassador and assistant manager assume prominent roles in the business, generating recurring business from children and adults in the community.

This opportunity pairs well for a variety of investors, especially those in the childhood education, hotel operation or real estate space who are looking to diversify their portfolio with a muti-revenue stream business model, without fully running the operations.

Untapped Profit Potential

You may be wondering, what is the profitability of a family entertainment park? Launch Entertainment franchisees reap the benefits of massive profit potential, with franchise locations bringing in an average $2,035,472 in total income.*

Our family fun franchise is home to an array of awesome attractions to keep families coming back year-round while offering franchisees multiple revenue streams to maximize unit profitability.

Ready to Launch your portfolio? Learn more about franchising opportunities with Launch Entertainment.

*According to the Item 19 of the 2022 FDD. Referring to franchised locations, average of 6 parks trailing 12 months

How to Start a Laser Tag Business: Costs, Profitability, What to Expect

Starting an entertainment business can be quite the lucrative career. There are many activities to consider for family entertainment, but one that really jumps out is a laser tag business. Traditionally, it’s a family favorite. Stepping into the dark arena with glow in the dark obstacles while donning your light up vest and clutching your laser gun…it’s quite the experience, for any guest. 

But, for most entertainment businesses, it’s not enough to just offer one experience, especially when there’s always space for more. 

Below, we’ll detail why laser tag is better suited integrated along with a plethora of other exciting activities rather than investing in a standalone laser tag franchise. 

Is a laser tag business profitable in today’s world?

Starting a laser tag business can be profitable, but there’s quite a laundry list of cons that accompany the task. For example, competition can be high when it comes to a laser tag business, so analyzing the market and finding the demand is a huge step.

There are plenty of areas to stumble during the process. From finding the right supplier to low margins, and everything in between. Going this alone can be quite a challenge. 

It can also become quite costly fairly quickly. The overhead expenses and taxes alone could put you in the red before your grand opening. 

What Equipment is Necessary to Start Your Own Laser Tag Business?

A laser tag facility requires a significant amount of square footage and equipment. Starting a laser tag business requires necessary equipment. An obstacle course adds an element of fun to the space. Of course, that includes décor. Many times, since laser tag is a game with darker lighting, most of the décor is glow in the dark, creating an exciting atmosphere. 

Equipment is needed including laser tag guns and vests with operating software that responds to being hit. Management software and other miscellaneous items should be accounted for as well. 

How much space do you need?

Typically, in a standalone facility it would need to be at least 5,000 to 6,000 square feet for a laser tag business.

Why is it better to include laser tag as an additional activity to a range of services?

Laser tag can be enjoyable for a variety of groups, but to really utilize the space to earn the most profit, it shouldn’t be the only activity offered. Having multiple activities such as dodgeball, trampoline courts, rock climbing, arcade, and so much more takes your space to the next level. 

On top of that, most standalone laser tag businesses do not have food options. Ensuring that your customers have food and beverages while they get all their energy out is essential to top tier entertainment. This type of service guarantees repeat customers, customers staying longer at your establishment, and the highest potential for a successful business. 

Is it better to own a franchise?

Yes, a franchise is certainly more reliable than going into business ownership alone, especially starting a laser tag business. Franchises offer more structure, extensive training, and support, help with negotiations, and you’re more likely to gain financial support when joining a franchise. Since they’re a proven concept, a financial team finds them more trustworthy. 

How does Launch Entertainment manage to integrate laser tag into their facility?

At Launch Entertainment, laser tag is just one of the incredible activities we offer. We’ve taken it to the next level by branding our laser tag, “Fury Laser Tag.” We have two experiences for customers to enjoy: joining forces with United Earth or the Martian Syndicate, where players can achieve bragging rights in the state-of-the-art arena. 

Consider Launch Entertainment as Your Business Endeavor

Deciding to go into business ownership is an adventure. You should be able to have all the benefits that come with business ownership, but also have fun while doing so and choose the least stressful option. By joining Launch Entertainment, all the hard decisions are removed from your experience. You have a knowledgeable team right behind you, every step of the way, setting you up for the best chance of success. 

It’s worth investing in a franchise like Launch over a standalone laser tag business because you’re able to really utilize the entire space, and curate an experience that laser tag alone simply can’t compare. Launch Entertainment has a proven history with repeat customers and prioritizing a memorable experience for all ages. 

If you’re ready to take the next step in owning your own family entertainment center, fill out this form and one of our franchise development representatives will be in touch. 

Successful Franchises Live By These 5 Unmistakable Qualities

Entrepreneurs interested in pursuing business ownership but uneasy about going it alone often turn to franchising. Franchising is a proven system of distributing products or services involving a franchisor and franchisee. 

The franchisor establishes the brand’s trademark and business system. The franchisee pays a royalty and initial fee for the right to do business under the franchisor’s name and system. 

In the U.S. alone, there are more than 750,000 franchises. Franchises provide employment to more than 8 million Americans. While it’s a huge part of the workforce, it takes a lot to create a successful franchise. Many burn out before the grand opening. 

Below, we’ve detailed the five top qualities that contribute to a successful franchise. 

What are the Keys to Franchise Success?

Once you’ve understood the fundamentals of franchising, it’s time to pick which is the best fit for you. Here are some factors to consider that should drive your decision-making:

• Brand recognition: Having an established brand is one of the greatest assets for a franchise. This creates a customer base that already wants your service. Alone, this can be one of the hardest things to establish, and many businesses will try for years and still struggle to have returning customers. With a well-known brand, you get loyal customers from day one.  
• A healthy industry: Some industries are booming; some are stagnant. It’s up to you to confirm the opportunities available, the budget, and desired work expectations, but choosing the right industry is incredibly important to the overall success of your business. 
• Profitability: Will this business make me money? It’s a must to verify the business will be able to sustain you in short-term to create long-term financial security. Examine the past financials of the franchise as well as its growth trajectory and make sure to talk to franchisees about their experience.
• Sustainability: In addition to profit, your franchise must survive. Look for franchises that have been around and have tremendous growth potential.
• Marketing: Check out how the brand is revolutionizing their marketing strategies. Social media is a powerful tool now, and many companies are using it. Make sure the industry you’re looking at is using it to amplify and elevate the brand.

Why Franchising is a Great Choice

There’s a reason many people head to franchising when deciding to go into business ownership. Franchises have brand recognition, which often comes with a built-in customer base. They have a franchise system with a network of other franchisees. That means shoulders to lean on and experiences to learn from. In addition, there’s also support and training from a leadership team that understands your success equals their success. In general, franchises are relatively successful. Be mindful, there is no guaranteed financial prosperity, but it’s definitely the more promising route over starting from scratch. 

What Soft Skills do I Need?

It takes more than a strong franchise brand to help you create success. You have to have the skills it takes – or be willing to develop those skills – to be the right kind of good franchisee to help the franchise truly thrive. That’s where soft skills come into play.

As a good franchisee, you should be:

• Passionate: Passion and drive are often the biggest motivation to be successful in any endeavor, franchise included. Having a passion for your brand will be visible and contagious to your team and your customers. 
• Coachable: Leave your ego at the door. It’s imperative you have a willingness to learn and grow. You must be able to accept training and guidance from the franchisor. It’s helpful to also view every experience, the good and the bad, as a way to learn. In turn, those lessons will lead you to more profitability and success. 
• Goal-oriented: To be a successful franchise owner, you must be goal-oriented. Having clear ideas of accomplishments you want to achieve and financial milestones you want to make creates a motivated and more productive environment for you and your staff. 
• Adaptable: Possessing the quality to be flexible and adapt to changing circumstances is crucial in franchise ownership. Being resilient in the face of mistakes as you establish your new business sets the proper tone for a successful franchise. 
• A risk-taker: Franchising can involve taking some risks. We’re not asking you to be a daredevil or reinvent the wheel, but it’s best to not be dominated by fear or concerns. Be open to change and willing to take moderate risks. 

Consider Launch Entertainment

Launch Entertainment checks all the boxes for a successful franchise. The family entertainment center industry is projected to reach $40.81 billion by 2025. 

Franchising for nearly 10 years, Launch has been an innovating leader, completely revolutionizing the family entertainment industry. Launch offers you an incredible opportunity to engage with the community and be a part of a trusted system that is rapidly expanding. If you’d like to learn more about investing in a franchise, click here to request more info.

Indoor Playground Franchises: Why They’re Profitable

The act of play is an important part of a child’s development and growth. Play is more than just fun and games; It’s been proven to help kids learn about themselves and the world around them. It affects their social development, interests, and passions. This all leads to discovering important life skills as they grow. 

For the most part, children have very little preference when it comes to choosing the play that they’re engaging in. It doesn’t matter whether it’s inside or outside, as long as they’re able to have fun. In this case, many parents opt for convenience, security, sanitation, and weather when choosing a space for their children. This creates the perfect opportunity for indoor playground franchises to thrive. 

How Much Do Indoor Franchise Owners Make?

In 2019, children’s fitness franchises earned a total of $336 million in revenue.

Generally, the children’s fitness industry sees a good return on investment. The profit margins and returns for indoor playground franchises vary by location, business model, and overhead costs. It’s also impacted by the establishment’s reputation, and if there are attractions available for all ages.  

When investing in an indoor playground business, begin with researching the total indoor playground franchise cost and be mindful of the environment and what’s happening in the community. For example, many of the peak hour times will align with the surrounding school’s schedules. This means weekends and breaks will be your busiest time. Despite this, it’s important to continuously offer activities and opportunities to engage with the community, so there is less down time. This could look like opening your doors to local businesses for employee exercises, field trips, fitness classes, or activities for non-school age children. 

In addition to working with locals, it’d be worth your while to invest in internet marketing. Having eye-catching equipment creates a lively Facebook and Instagram feed. Social media has become a powerful tool, don’t be afraid to use it. 

At the root of it all, create a high-quality experience with fun in mind. This means offering birthday packages, selling food and beverages, and making sure kids of all ages (and parents!) are welcome to join in on the experience. 

There are a multitude of fun, creative, and easy ways to make an indoor playground more profitable. 

What Equipment Do You Need to Start an Indoor Playground?

First and foremost, trampolines! There’s nothing like seeing the pure joy of kids and adults jumping to their hearts content and shaking off all the school and work stress. 

It’s best to focus on fun when you’re thinking of a layout for your indoor playground. Making sure you have a little bit of everything for everyone goes a long way. There’s rock climbing, basketball, dodgeball, foam pit, laser tag, virtual reality, and so much more. 

The best example of how to create the optimal experience is looking at seasoned family entertainment park, Launch Entertainment. With all these amenities and more, Launch creates an environment where it’s impossible not to have fun. 

Who is the Target Audience & Why Do Indoor Playgrounds Appeal to their Needs?

When exploring indoor playground ideas for business opportunities, keep in mind the target audience for these types of centers are areas with a large population of children and parents who have disposable income. 

Indoor playground franchises have several advantages. A major benefit to an indoor playground is the accessibility during every season. There is less opportunity for severe injury as many activities have cushions like ball pits and tumble mats. 

Indoor playgrounds often undergo routine cleaning. This creates a more sanitary environment than any outdoor opportunities for play. For example, Launch has raised the bar in sanitation by passing the rigorous “STERILE” cleanliness certification program. This program was designed specifically for family entertainment centers. This includes providing cleanliness to all surfaces, trampolines & attractions, equipment, railings, inventory, lockers, and employees & guests. The requirements all meet or exceed CDC guidelines. 

In terms of entertainment, most of these indoor playgrounds are destined to thrive in areas where there are a lot of families either visiting or living. They also excel when activities are geared toward every age. This makes families much more inclined to stay longer, and also to return. 

Consider Franchising with Launch 

Launch Entertainment continues to prove time and time again, what it takes to drive customer foot traffic and create a loyal customer base with fantastic return rates. Whether it’s family night, date night, a team-building meeting exercise, or college kids looking for a place to feel young again, we’re the go-to. We prioritize creating an incredible experience for all ages.

Starting an indoor playground can be daunting with many obstacles hurled towards you, but you don’t have to go it alone. With us, you can have the incredible opportunity of engaging with the community and being an anchor for incredible memories while also receiving ongoing support, training, marketing assistance, and ample resources from a franchise system that is driven to see you succeed. 

If you’re ready to take the next step in owning your own family entertainment center, fill out this form and one of our franchise development representatives will be in touch.

Kids Gym Franchise: Franchises for Active Play

When researching a kid’s gym franchise, it’s possible several names come to mind. While often identified as a family entertainment center or trampoline park, Launch Entertainment is still very much a kid’s gym franchise. With ample opportunity for active play and promoting exercise among youth, Launch has cemented itself as a clear industry leader and standout investment. 

A franchise that encourages active play, exercise  

When thinking of active play, many people think of Launch Entertainment. With tons of amenities for all ages, we have completely revolutionized the trampoline park industry. Our family entertainment center franchise started as a trampoline park, but today is nothing short of an indoor amusement park. 

One of the ways we differentiate ourselves in the market is through our all-inclusive customer base. It’s true we’re a great option for engaging kids in physical play, and we’re constantly evolving to add more family entertainment activities. But we also happen to be a destination of choice for fun-loving people of all ages. We’re a family entertainment center that caters to more than just families.

The perfect alternative to a kid’s gym

The founders of Launch Entertainment always had a vision to create an experience that appeals to all ages. It’s fun for family nights, date nights, work events, and college outings. This means we cast a net for a broader customer base, which can potentially mean a more diverse revenue stream for greater profitability. Compared to a kid’s gym that requires a more structured environment geared toward younger children in a limited age bracket, Launch Entertainment may be able to maintain more long-term, repeat customers.  

To participate in the pre-scheduled programs of some kid’s gyms, children must be enrolled by a parent or guardian. With Launch, customers come at their convenience for a fun time, although they can book ahead for parties and special events. 

Launch is constantly adding new attractions that appeal to everyone who walks in our doors. Trampoline courts, dodgeball, and rock climbing are just a few examples. Our activities allow kids and adults alike to play in a big way. 

When it comes to making sure kids get enough activity, Launch is perfect. You don’t need specialized knowledge as a franchise owner to make sure you’re providing the right kind of enrichment and physical development training for the 4-12 crowd; you just need to know how to spread the word in your community and make your business the go-to spot for fun. 

Entertainment through exercise

Launch is designed to get people pumped up and excited to move. From the obstacle course and laser tag to the Launch Pad and tumble tracks, Launch has much more to offer than a kid’s gym franchise. Many times, parents want an outlet for their children that requires them to simply enter a building and have fun until the kids are worn out, no extra fuss. Launch Entertainment provides that, too. Parents can enjoy themselves in our on-site restaurant or join in the fun with their kids.

Consider Franchising with Launch

Launch Entertainment has perfected the formula for a successful business, with ongoing support and guidance to steer you on the path toward success. Launch has been open for business since 2012, and started franchising just a year later. 

When you work with the Launch team, you’ll be able to count on a widespread network of support from other franchisees and the corporate office. We offer ample pre-opening training as well as ongoing support throughout the life of your franchise.  

To learn more about the benefits of owning a Launch Entertainment franchise, please fill out this contact form and one of our franchise development representatives will be in touch.

Is Owning a Bowling Alley Franchise Profitable in 2022?

Bowling is a time-honored tradition. It’s been part of Friday night fun with the family, friends, or a date night for decades. The question, though, is how profitable is a bowling alley franchise in 2022?

The bowling industry is working to rebuild after facing a steep decline. While bowling alleys are slowly rising again in popularity, what is catapulting into the spotlight is family entertainment centers.

Below, we’ll provide why investing in an entertainment center that includes a bowling alley is a much more promising business venture.

How Much Can a Bowling Alley Franchise Owner Make?

The most pivotal factor when looking to establish a successful bowling alley is location. Many bowling alleys are seeing a higher profit if they’re in the neighborhoods where families have a combined household income of over $100,000 a year.

Alternatively, the family entertainment center industry is predicted to see immense growth in the upcoming years. According to a market data forecast, the global entertainment centers market size is projected to reach around $50 billion by the end of 2026. Centers like these become destinations. People will seek out centers that provide entertainment for every member of their friend group or family.

Bowling Industry Growth Trajectory

To take a look at the future of the bowling alley franchise, let’s do a quick recap of the past. There’s been a consistent downward trend in the bowling industry, which saw a 0.3% decline between 2017 and 2022. The market size of bowling in the U.S. has declined faster than in the arts, entertainment, and recreation sectors.

The primary damaging factor to the bowling industry is high competition and its lack of appeal to younger consumers.

The future of bowling and its profitability is there, but it will take work. Bowling centers must transform into family-friendly destinations with upscale amenities that appeal to people of all ages while maintaining the traditional components of a bowling alley.

Why Might a Family Entertainment Center be More Profitable?

A multi-activity family center may offer you the potential for higher ROI because of its ability to be a destination for a much broader swath of customers.

You’d be investing in an industry that doesn’t need an image makeover and doesn’t have to worry that consumer trends will shift away from their lone activity. The variety of games, food, and activities offer endless combinations and the flexibility to update quickly when consumer habits change. A bowling alley is often included in these entertainment centers, so if your heart is set on having a bowling alley, it’s still completely within your reach.

The family entertainment center is making strides in an industry that’s only trending upward. These facilities continue to adapt to meet consumer needs and trends, and their ability to evolve and match their customer’s needs is what will continue to earn them success.

How Launch Entertainment is an Industry Leader

Launch Entertainment sets itself apart from other entertainment centers with our innovative adaptations. Ours is a business that runs on creating long-lasting memories, for every age and interest. This mindset has created an abundance of innovative ideas and attractions that make Launch more than a regular trampoline park — and so much more than just a bowling alley.

Consider Investing in a Launch Franchise

If owning a bowling alley is on your mind, you can have that and so much more with a family entertainment center like Launch.

Launch empowers our franchisees to enjoy the independence of small-business ownership while being supported by a big-business network. If you’re interested in owning your own entertainment center, fill out this form and we’ll be in touch!

COVID-19 Update: What We’re Doing at Launch

As many of you know, the Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, is starting to make its way around the world, and our hearts go out to all who have been affected by this outbreak. First and foremost, Launch takes the safety and well-being of our guests and employees very seriously. The situation is changing daily, and we are watching it closely so we can be prepared to take all the proper precautions to make sure everyone stays safe.

Over the past couple of weeks, we have been following recommendations from the CDC and related government and health agencies, as well as connecting with other business leaders who are actively sharing best practices and resources for keeping our guests and employees safe. The openness and collaboration across companies has been inspiring and heartwarming and has helped us immensely as we have developed our own response plans.

We are happy to share that Launch Entertainment Parks are welcoming guests as usual and are doing everything we can so you can continue to create amazing memories with us, knowing you are in good hands! We do appreciate your understanding that, as a customer, your Launch Experience may look slightly different as we navigate through this time together.

While our day to day cleaning procedures are already very comprehensive, we are increasing our in place processes to keep our facilities a safe and welcoming environment for all guests and staff, given the current situation. Launch Entertainment Parks have increased both professional cleaning schedules and updated and increased in-house cleaning by current staff to clean and sanitize frequently touched surfaces (handrails, doorknobs, restrooms, counters, dodgeballs, arcade games and prizes, waiver stations, etc.), attractions, and equipment throughout the day. In addition to this, we are always closed one day per week to do a thorough, deep clean of our entire facility.

We ask all staff and guests to wash their hands frequently, use hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes often, and to refrain from coming into the park when they are symptomatic of an illness, from the common cold to the flu.

We have modified operations in many of our parks in order to provide a safe and enjoyable experience to our guests. We have adapted the park experience by decreasing capacity to allow fewer guests in the building at one time and/or by limiting seating to improve social distancing. As a last resort, we will close a park if we feel it is in the best interest of our guests and staff, or if we are directed to do so by government authorities. In any such situation, we expect this disruption to be temporary.

Thank you for being part of our Launch family. We are truly privileged to serve you and your community. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Sincerely,

Rob Arnold
CEO | Launch Family Entertainment

Launch Hosts Kids Fashion Week DMV 2020 Promo Video

Launch in Prince George’s County, MD was home to the 2020 Kids Fashion Week DMV Promo Video shoot recently and we could not be more excited to share the final teaser with you all! Did you know that KFWDMV is a non-profit 501c3 company that is FOR KIDS AND BY KIDS?! Launch is so happy to support this organization and we encourage you to check them out!

Kidd Around Town: Launch Trampoline Park Prince George’s County

WASHINGTON (ABC7) — Kidd O’Shea stopped by Launch Trampoline Parkin Capitol Heights to help children put down those controllers and put their gaming skills to the test! The amusement center includes a laser tag arena, rock climbing wall, ropes courses, and signature trampoline courts dedicated to dodgeball and slam dunk basketball.