5 Key Innovations to Drive Success in Your Family Entertainment Venue

Innovations in food, tech, and guest experience can transform your family entertainment venue for the better.

We recently spoke about goal setting and making your business feel new again, much of which was focused on how you think and talk about your business. In addition to changing your mind about the work you do, it’s important to stay ahead of the curve and continue to innovate in all areas of your operation. During your brainstorming session, you might have discovered a few areas that need attention, so you will likely start there. But if you haven’t had time to brainstorm or aren’t sure where to start, we put together this list of # areas where innovation can drive your family entertainment center or venue forward.

No. 1: Food and Beverage

Guests are increasingly demanding more than basic snacks—they’re looking for unique, high-quality food and drink options. Think themed menus, customizable items, or locally inspired dishes. Craft cocktails or gourmet treats can elevate the experience and keep guests returning for more. Be creative, and there’s no limit to your food’s impact on a guest’s experience.

For example, I frequent two quick-service chain taco restaurants in the San Antonio area: Torchy’s Tacos and Velvet Taco. Last Sunday, I made my husband drive 25 minutes, past two Torchy’s locations to get to Velvet Taco. Why? Both experiences offer high-quality quick-service tacos, seasonal offerings, various beverage types, including alcoholic beverages, and convenience. But where I think Velvet Taco has the advantage over Torchy’s is in their creativity, such as:

• They offer a more creative, inclusive menu. I’m vegetarian, so it’s challenging to find vegetarian options. That said, you can’t always cater to small groups of people, or you risk increased food waste. Velvet Taco offers a Nashville Hot Tofu taco that’s worth the drive for me. However, they are smart and also offer Nashville Hot Chicken and Hot Cauliflower tacos using many of the same ingredients.
• They offer something completely different: red velvet cake. They offer one signature dessert, a giant piece of red velvet cake with caramel sauce on the side for dipping. Inexpensive to make, but makes a significant impact as it’s front and center, plays on their name and theme, and is unique to them. This offering is also an inexpensive giveaway item they use to entice people to come in and order, sign up for their loyalty program, and visit more frequently.
• They pay attention to detail. Throughout the restaurant, they have fun, themed art (think edgy oil paintings featuring a Marie Antoinette lookalike eating a handful of red velvet cake). Their To Go taco containers are perfectly taco shaped, and so on – little things that together make a more significant impact. Torchy’s theme is edgy throughout, too, with Damn Good Tacos, etc., but it doesn’t land as well for me.
• They reward loyalty. Their loyalty program is based on spending and offers fans a fun perk: access to a “secret” menu.

Now, I should add that Torchy’s and Velvet Taco have been around for nearly the same amount of time. Torchy’s has over 130 locations, whereas Velvet Taco only has 40. However, Velvet Taco has an aggressive growth plan, expecting 200 locations by 2030. Is this slow growth or an indication of the chain’s rising popularity? You decide. The bottom line is: Take your creativity and run with it!

No. 2: Technology

Today’s guests expect seamless digital experiences, from online booking to self-service kiosks to the ability to order food by mobile device. Upgrading to integrated management software can help streamline operations, enhance guest interactions, and offer data-driven insights to improve marketing. Be sure to follow your technology provider(s) via email and social, so you’re more likely to hear about new features and enhancements. You would be surprised to hear how many users miss updates and remain unaware of some of the most exciting features a solution offers.

If you’re considering a new offering or upgrade, contact your provider first to see if your goal can be accomplished with an existing solution, new feature, or module you might not be aware of. This will allow you to maximize your use of the products and relationships you already have.

No. 3: Cost Savings

Innovation isn’t just about adding; it’s also about improving efficiency. Evaluate your processes for ways to streamline, especially in those hidden cost areas, without sacrificing quality. Waste reduction in areas like order and food and beverage are key, and cross-training team members can help optimize labor costs. Speaking of labor, make sure you’re set up to analyze your cost versus labor at-a-glance. An integrated time clock and scheduling functionality can help you schedule appropriately and maximize the productivity of every team member during a shift, in addition to saving you time in analysis. Every dollar saved can be reinvested into better guest experiences.

No. 4: Refreshed Offerings

Your attractions and activities are the heart of your venue, so it’s important to keep them updated. Rotate new games or features to keep loyal guests engaged. Introduce seasonal or themed events, or consider adding more immersive, story-driven experiences. Of course, when you’re in the market for a major purchase, diversifying your offerings with virtual and augmented reality attractions, adventure courses, or interactive experiences can broaden your appeal to a broader audience.

Partnerships and collaborations can also drive innovation for your business.  Partner with local businesses, charities, or organizations to offer unique experiences or cross-promotions.

Charitable giving and fundraising can not only engage a new audience but also help create team engagement, making a huge impact on the lives of others.

If you aren’t aware, IAAPA supports the Give Kids The World Program, which could be an incredible partner organization for your venue through the IAAPA World Passport for Kids program. When families with kids who have serious illnesses finish their special trip to the Give Kids the World Village in Kissimmee, Florida, they get a “World Passport.” This passport is like a free ticket to fun!

It grants them free admission and sometimes additional perks. By joining the IAAPA World Passport for Kids program, you’re not just offering a free visit; you’re creating lasting memories for families facing incredibly challenging circumstances. This act of generosity reflects positively on your business, building goodwill within your community and enhancing your reputation. Plus it will make you and your team feel great every time. But get your tissues handy. The heartfelt and personal thank you notes, many partner organizations will tell you, will hit you hard.

To Become an IAAPA Member Partner in the IAAPA World Passport for Kids Program, members must complete and submit the Partner Contact Information form. If you have questions, please contact GKTW@IAAPA.org.

No. 5: Guest Experience

Honestly, if you innovate in any of the areas we’ve already discussed, you’re bound to achieve a boost in guest engagement and satisfaction. To further innovate, keep raising the bar on personalization, and train staff to provide that extra wow factor that keeps guests coming back. Be sure to keep your finger on the pulse of guest satisfaction by implementing and tracking guest feedback and suggestions to help you continuously improve your service and offerings. It’s not always easy to hear feedback, but it’s usually worth a listen.

It should come as no surprise that focusing on these five key areas of innovation can position your family entertainment venue for long-term success in the ever-evolving entertainment landscape. Good luck!