Launch Family Entertainment Signs Lease for Missoula Location
First Montana Location Advances Launch’s Nationwide Expansion
MISSOULA, Mont. – Launch Family Entertainment (Launch), a leading family entertainment franchise, has announced a signed lease for its first location in the state of Montana. The park will be situated at 1900 Brooks Street in Missoula.
“Bringing a family entertainment space to Missoula is a great next step in our professional careers,” said the Launch IFI Corp team, which is leading the development of the Missoula location. “The area is a dynamic, growing community that is well-suited for a family entertainment center. We’re looking forward to guests experiencing the Launch model, which delivers fun for all ages for family and friends to share.”
Known for delivering unforgettable experiences for guests of all ages, Launch is a hospitality-driven family entertainment platform that combines attractions, food and beverage, events, and immersive experiences into a destination designed for guests of all ages. Guests can look forward to a wide range of activities, including trampolines, a ninja course, dodgeball, a mixed reality playground, and a soft play area for toddlers. The park will also feature its KRAVE restaurant and bar, making it a go-to destination for celebration and everyday family fun. The location is expected to open to the community in the spring of 2027.
“Launch Family Entertainment continues to build momentum through disciplined expansion, driven by passionate, exceptional operators,” said Mike Stout, Chief Development Officer at Launch Family Entertainment. “This new park marks another step in strengthening our presence in the Mountain West region and connecting with more communities. We’re eager to open the first park in Montana next year and can’t wait to collaborate with other driven operators looking to grow with our brand.”
Launch offers a scalable, multi-unit growth opportunity within the rapidly evolving family entertainment industry. Designed to deliver an engaging guest experience, the concept appeals to a broad demographic through its unique blend of attractions, immersive experiences, and hospitality offerings.
The brand continues to pursue strategic expansion across both existing and new markets throughout the United States and is actively seeking qualified franchise partners with strong operational capabilities and the financial capacity to grow with the brand.
About Launch Entertainment
Launch Entertainment is a leading family entertainment franchise redefining the modern indoor entertainment experience. Founded in 2012, the brand has evolved from a trampoline park concept into a hospitality-driven family entertainment platform offering a diverse mix of attractions, immersive experiences, events, and food and beverage offerings through its signature KRAVE restaurant and bar. Attractions and amenities vary by location, allowing each park to be thoughtfully designed for its market and community.
With 30 locations across 15 states and multiple additional parks in development, Launch continues to execute a disciplined national growth strategy focused on operational excellence, memorable guest experiences, and long-term franchise success.
Launch Entertainment Intros Small Park Model
Launch Family Entertainment has been working hard in the first half of 2026 to advance their strategic growth with the introduction of a smaller-format park model, which they said is “designed to provide franchisees with greater flexibility when evaluating real estate opportunities.”
They added that the format “allows the brand to enter a broader range of markets while maintaining the attractions, hospitality offerings and guests experience that define the Launch concept.”
“During the first half of 2026, we continued to execute our growth strategy by entering competitive markets with experienced operators who share our commitment to operational excellence and exceptional guest experiences,” said CEO Craig Erlich.
“The momentum we’ve built reflects the strength of our business model, the dedication of our operators and the increasing demand for high-quality entertainment destinations. We look forward to building on our current growth trajectory throughout the remainder of the year and beyond.”
Learn more at www.launchfamilyentertainment.com.
Launch Family Entertainment advances strategic growth in first half of 2026
EAST GREENWICH, R.I. — Launch Family Entertainment (Launch), a leading indoor family entertainment franchise, continued to build momentum throughout the first half of 2026 through strategic development and innovation.
A key milestone during the first half of the year was the introduction of Launch’s smaller-format park model. Designed to provide franchisees with greater flexibility when evaluating real estate opportunities, the new format allows the brand to enter a broader range of markets while maintaining the attractions, hospitality offerings, and guest experience that define the Launch concept. The smaller-format model further strengthens Launch’s development strategy by creating additional pathways for growth and expanding the number of viable locations available to prospective franchisees.
Launch also continued to expand its national footprint during the first half of 2026 by opening two new parks, signing three development agreements, and securing two new leases. Together, these milestones reinforce the brand’s strategic growth trajectory and position Launch for continued expansion in key markets nationwide.
Bringing its full-family entertainment experience to more communities nationwide, the brand opened new locations in Raleigh, North Carolina, and Arlington, Texas. These openings reflect Launch’s continued evolution into a hospitality-driven family entertainment platform designed to serve guests through attractions, events, food and beverage offerings, and repeat visitation, creating a diversified operating model designed for long-term growth.
“During the first half of 2026, we continued to execute our growth strategy by entering competitive markets with experienced operators who share our commitment to operational excellence and exceptional guest experiences,” said Craig Erlich, CEO of Launch Entertainment. “The momentum we’ve built reflects the strength of our business model, the dedication of our operators and the increasing demand for high-quality entertainment destinations. We look forward to building on our current growth trajectory throughout the remainder of the year and beyond.”
In addition to new openings, Launch continued to expand its development pipeline through signed agreements in Leesburg, Virginia; Frederick, Maryland; and Manchester, New Hampshire. The brand also secured signed leases in Centennial, Colorado, and Missoula, Montana, marking Launch’s entry into two new states and further strengthening its national footprint. These development milestones position the brand for continued growth across the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast and Mountain West regions while creating opportunities to introduce Launch’s unique entertainment experience to additional communities throughout the country.
“We continue to see strong interest from entrepreneurs looking to invest in the family entertainment space, and our ability to offer multiple development formats creates even more growth opportunities,” said Mike Stout, Chief Development Officer at Launch Entertainment. “As we continue expanding across the country, we remain focused on partnering with experienced operators, identifying strategic markets and supporting our franchisees as they build scalable, long-term businesses within their community.”
Launch offers a scalable, multi-unit growth opportunity within the rapidly evolving family entertainment industry. Designed to deliver an engaging guest experience, the concept appeals to a broad demographic through its unique blend of attractions, immersive experiences, and hospitality offerings.
The brand continues to pursue strategic expansion across both existing and new markets throughout the United States and is actively seeking qualified franchise partners with strong operational capabilities and the financial capacity to grow with the brand.
Why Family Entertainment Franchise Brands Are Moving to Smaller Footprints
Across the industry, family entertainment franchise brands are rethinking footprint size as operators prioritize efficiency, flexibility, and long-term scalability.
As investors evaluate entertainment franchise opportunities, many are seeking concepts that can adapt to changing market conditions while maintaining long-term relevance. For those exploring a Launch Entertainment franchise investment, flexibility has become just as important as growth potential.
Rising construction costs, changing retail availability, and increasing demand for second-generation real estate are encouraging brands to rethink traditional footprints.
That’s one reason Launch Entertainment recently introduced a smaller-format model designed to bring the same full-family experience to more markets while reducing overall investment requirements.
We’ve designed our new 25,000-square-foot park format for markets where real estate may have previously been unavailable, cost-prohibitive, or operationally challenging. It allows franchisees to enter trade areas more efficiently and offers a development process that aligns with today’s economic realities.
Lower Development Costs Without Losing the Experience
One of the biggest misconceptions about smaller-format entertainment centers is that guests are getting a reduced experience. That’s especially true for operators comparing a traditional trampoline park franchise to broader family entertainment franchise brands that offer multiple revenue streams and greater market adaptability.
The new format continues to deliver the active entertainment, arcade attractions, redemption experiences, soft play, ninja attractions, food and beverage offerings, and event-driven programming that guests expect from a Launch park.
We’ve just refined the model to create meaningful efficiencies throughout development:
- $700,000 reduction in attraction investment
- $200,000 reduction through an optimized Krave kitchen package and optional Bar Hops component
- $25,000 reduction in POS package requirements
- $900,000 reduction in leasehold improvement costs
- $575,000 reduction in startup and working capital requirements
How Smaller Formats Improve Real Estate Flexibility
Real estate remains one of the most important factors for any family entertainment franchise brand. The challenge is that many growing markets have limited inventory of large-format spaces.
A smaller footprint expands the number of viable sites available to franchisees and creates additional flexibility during market selection. It also opens opportunities in trade areas that may have strong demographics, growing populations, and expanding retail corridors but lack the large spaces traditionally associated with entertainment concepts.
Curious how Launch helps franchisees evaluate potential sites? Read more here!
For many operators, this flexibility can become a competitive advantage, particularly in markets where available real estate influences growth opportunities.
Rather than forcing a market to fit a concept, the concept can be configured more strategically around the market by lowering development costs, reducing capital requirements, and creating a more accessible lower investment threshold.
One Brand. Multiple Market Configurations.
The future of the entertainment franchise industry will be defined by brands that can adapt to changing markets while continuing to deliver exceptional guest experiences. That’s why more operators are exploring family entertainment franchise opportunities that combine flexibility, scalability, and diversified revenue streams.
Launch’s smaller-format model is a reflection of that philosophy.
If you’re evaluating your next growth platform, we’d be happy to walk through how the smaller Launch model may fit your long-term strategy and whether a Launch Entertainment franchise investment aligns with your development goals.
Fill out our inquiry form to get started!
Launch Family Entertainment Expands into Maryland with New Franchise Agreement
FREDERICK, Md. – Launch Family Entertainment (Launch), a leading family entertainment franchise, has signed a franchise agreement to bring a location to Frederick, Maryland.
Known for delivering unforgettable experiences for guests of all ages, Launch combines high-energy attractions with elevated food and beverage offerings to create the ultimate family entertainment destination. Guests can look forward to a wide range of activities, including bowling, arcade games, mini golf, trampolines, mixed reality playground, and a soft play area for toddlers. The park will also feature its KRAVE restaurant and bar, making it a go-to destination for celebration and everyday family fun. The franchisee is actively evaluating sites throughout the Frederick market, with an anticipated opening in 2027.
“Launch continues to expand thoughtfully across the country alongside exceptional franchise partners who share our commitment to creating memorable guest experiences,” said Mike Stout, Chief Development Officer at Launch Family Entertainment. “Bringing a location to Frederick represents an exciting milestone for the brand and further strengthens our presence throughout the Mid-Atlantic. We look forward to introducing Launch to the Frederick community and supporting our franchise partner as they build a destination families can enjoy for years to come.”
Launch offers a scalable, multi-unit growth opportunity within the rapidly evolving family entertainment industry. Designed to deliver an engaging guest experience, the concept appeals to a broad demographic through its unique blend of attractions, immersive experiences, and hospitality offerings.
The brand continues to pursue strategic expansion across both existing and new markets throughout the United States and is actively seeking qualified franchise partners with strong operational capabilities and the financial capacity to grow with the brand.
About Launch Entertainment
Launch Entertainment is a leading family entertainment franchise redefining the modern indoor entertainment experience. Founded in 2012, the brand has evolved from a trampoline park concept into a full-scale family entertainment platform featuring attractions, arcade entertainment, bowling, immersive experiences, and its signature Krave restaurant and bar.
With 30 locations across 13 states and multiple additional parks in development, Launch continues to execute a disciplined national growth strategy focused on operational excellence, guest experience, and long-term franchise success.
For more information about Launch Entertainment, visit https://launchfamilyentertainment.com/. To learn more about its franchise opportunities, visit https://launchfamilyentertainment.com/franchise/.
How to Evaluate a Franchise Market
When exploring entertainment franchise opportunities, one of the most important questions is: How do you evaluate a franchise market before you invest?
You evaluate a franchise market by analyzing demand (population, income, and family demographics), location quality (traffic drivers and accessibility), and long-term growth potential within the trade area.
From there, experienced operators typically consider:
- How the market supports long-term performance
- Whether the location aligns with existing consumer behavior
More often than not, it comes down to the market.
Understanding how to evaluate a franchise market is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when considering a family entertainment center franchise or any scalable entertainment franchise model.
Start with Demand When You Evaluate a Market
So where do you start?
One of the most common mistakes investors make when learning how to evaluate a franchise market is choosing a concept first and trying to make it work in a specific location.
The strongest operators take the opposite approach.
For a family entertainment center franchise, that demand tends to follow a clear pattern. The most consistent performers are located in trade areas with strong population density, higher household incomes, and a meaningful base of families.
In practical terms, that often looks like:
- ~200,000+ people in the trade area
- $75K+ average household income
- A strong concentration of households with children
Once the market checks out, the next layer is location within that market. This is where performance gaps start to show.
Successful entertainment franchise locations are positioned within proximity to national anchors, like Target, TJ Maxx, or similar traffic drivers, as part of a broader strategy to align with existing consumer behavior.
How Do You Compare Franchise Markets Effectively?
You compare franchise markets by evaluating:
- Demographics
- Competitive landscape
- Real estate positioning
- Long-term growth potential
These factors help clarify which markets actually align with your broader strategy.
What makes one franchise market stronger than another?
With the Launch Entertainment franchise opportunity, market selection is a structured process, not a starting guess.
Launch has a clear understanding of where the model performs best, and franchisees are supported early in evaluating trade areas, reviewing sites, and pressure-testing assumptions before moving forward.
From there, the support continues through site selection, lease negotiation, and development. Franchisees have access to a dedicated real estate broker, commercial real estate attorney, and project management team to guide the process from initial evaluation through opening.
It’s a disciplined approach designed to reduce risk and keep execution aligned with the plan.
How Do You Identify the Right Market?
The right franchise market meets demand criteria, aligns with your operational strategy, and demonstrates long-term growth potential.
At a certain level, evaluating a family entertainment center franchise becomes less about identifying opportunities and more about filtering them.
Taking the time to properly evaluate the market upfront is what sets the foundation for everything that follows.
Explore the Launch Entertainment franchise opportunity to see how a structured approach to market selection and development can support your next phase of growth.