How Four Friends Brought the First Launch Entertainment Franchise to Texas

For Terence Wong and his four business partners, the dream of owning a business together stuck with them since their teenage years. They’d known each other since they were 14 or 15, and though their careers took them in different directions, from hospitality to operations to entrepreneurship, they always hoped the right opportunity would come along.

That opportunity arrived when one of them discovered Launch Entertainment. With young children of their own and years of experience as customers at family entertainment center franchises, the group immediately saw the potential. They had visited plenty of competitors, but they often found the experience lacking, especially for older kids. Launch stood out because it had something for everyone: bowling and trampolines as core attractions, plus the flexibility to add in options like arcades, ropes courses, and VR.

“Variety was huge for us,” Terence explained. “As parents, we’d taken our kids to places where one child was engaged but the other was bored. Launch had activities that appealed to all ages, which meant families could come together and everyone could find something they loved.”

Choosing Launch

The deciding moment came when the group visited Launch’s original location in Warwick, Rhode Island. They were impressed not only by the attractions but by the brand’s flexibility. With a balance of timeless offerings like bowling and trampolines and newer innovations such as VR or laser tag, they knew their investment would never become outdated.

“If in five years VR isn’t popular anymore, we can replace it,” Terence said. “That kind of adaptability gave us confidence that Launch is built to last, and has come a long way from its trampoline park franchise beginnings.”

Although the group had already owned and operated franchised motels, opening an entertainment franchise was an entirely new venture. That’s where the Launch team made all the difference.

From site selection and layout planning to construction and operations, Launch provided what Terence described as “A to Z support.” They connected the partners with project managers, designed in-house plans, and essentially “held their hand” through the process.

“As first-time FEC owners, there were a lot of things we didn’t know,” Terence admitted. “Launch filled those gaps for us across the board. The corporate team has been fantastic and very hands-on.”

Opening in Lewisville

This year, the group debuted the brand in Lewisville, TX. Being the brand’s introduction to the state meant they had to do a bit of educating.

“A lot of people in Texas don’t know Launch yet, but once they come in, they love it,” Terence said. “We’ve had amazing feedback, especially on the ropes course. It’s something not every Launch has, and kids spend a ton of time on it, sometimes going back multiple times in a single visit.”

Advice for Future Family Entertainment Franchise Owners

For those considering Launch, Terence recommends doing thorough due diligence. “Make sure the demographics are there to support your business,” he advised. With the right market, he believes the Launch Entertainment franchise model and the corporate support behind it are a recipe for long-term growth.

Terence and his partners are proving that Launch’s mix of variety, flexibility, and support makes it a winning choice for entrepreneurs exploring entertainment franchise opportunities. And with the brand’s proven model, it’s clear why Launch is more than just its trampoline park franchise roots—it’s a full-scale destination for families.

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