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!

A Family Entertainment Center (FEC) is similar to an indoor amusement park. With games and attractions, it’s a safe, clean, and fun space for children, teens, and adults alike.

FECs are a great investment in a profitable and rewarding industry, no matter your experience level. From the aspiring entrepreneur to the experienced and savvy businessperson, FECs are something that everyone can relate to and they are predicted to continue trending upward in popularity.

In this article, we’ll lay out all the ins and outs of an FEC with complete transparency so you can make the best decision for your future.

What is considered a family entertainment center?

An FEC can come in a variety of forms. It’s often entirely indoors with theme park qualities. Indoor centers can range from 15,000-20,000 square feet, but some facilities have much larger spaces For example, Launch Entertainment boasts upwards of 50,000 square feet.

Bowling alleys integrated with arcades, restaurants, and music are popular. Laser tag, skating rinks, playgrounds, and zip lines are all under the umbrella of entertainment centers. FECs also host private celebrations like birthday parties and corporate events. With smartphones and computers solidifying their presence in everyday life, the need for in-person quality time is more prevalent than ever. FECs are a fun way to profit, while giving families in your community a path to create long-lasting memories.

What can I learn about this industry? (Activities, games, customer base, history, etc.)

The entertainment industry is growing every year. The facilities gained popularity in the early 1970s as arcades and mini-golf centers spread across the nation. It’s good to know that the global FEC market is projected to expand by a CAGR of 10.2% from now through 2026 and reach around $50 billion by the end of that year, doubling the $24.35 billion size of the market in 2021, according to Market Data Forecast and Emergent Research.

Breaking it down further, the admission fees and ticket sales dominate the overall family/indoor entertainment centers market and that’s expected to continue. Whether it’s a church or family outing, a date night, or a corporate event where employees can let out their inner kid, family entertainment centers have activities for all ages to enjoy.

Why is the industry attractive for business-minded people?

For someone with a business mind, family entertainment centers are prime real estate. They’re attainable and appeal to all demographics, making growth and potential success more realistic. This industry serves communities of all ages in small and large cities, meaning many locations are viable options for an establishment like this.

By targeting highly populated areas like malls, FECs are thriving, and projected to only grow. According to a report from World Today News, the market is forecast to increase at a considerable rate through 2025 and beyond.

What is most desirable about this industry is its constant evolution. This is reflected in what’s added to the entertainment centers, and how it continues to impress people of all ages with hours of entertainment offered at their fingertips.

Is it better to franchise or start my own FEC?

Starting an FEC business on your own can be intimidating. You won’t have access to the group buying power, the proven business model, or the support and guidance you can expect with a family entertainment franchise.

Joining a franchise is a better move than forging your own path, especially for a family entertainment center. When you invest in a franchise, you’re buying the right to use the company’s name and likeness, and you have support with lease negotiations, purchasing equipment, and marketing. You also are buying into a brand that has the public’s support and trust. An FEC is typically very active with activities like go-karts, zip lines, and trampolines – all of which could be dangerous if not done correctly. When you invest in a franchise like Launch, customers already know they will have a safe and fun experience.

What equipment is needed?

For every FEC, it’s important to have quality equipment so you can ensure safety in your facility. To do so, you need to invest in a company that makes it a priority to explain its equipment protocols and adheres to all the safety requirements.

For example, at Launch, one of your needs for equipment would be trampolines. To make sure the Launch experience is safe for everyone, we insist on quality equipment. To ensure that quality, we use in-house manufacturing to provide cost-efficient, sturdy equipment for people to enjoy. Many investors will stand behind outsourcing, claiming it’s the cheaper option. However, outsourcing may not be cheaper in the long term if the equipment has to be replaced or repaired more often. With our in-house manufacturing, we’re able to keep track of every step of the manufacturing process so we have a complete picture of where we’re allocating funds.

What’s the difference between an FEC and a single-activity center like a bowling alley?

The differences between a single-activity center like a bowling alley and an FEC franchise like Launch are huge, but the biggest one is things to do. When people go bowling, they might bowl a few games before going to a movie or heading out to eat. At Launch, the fun is an all-day affair. Customers can start on the trampolines and then take a laser-tag break before dominating in virtual reality. After all that fun, hungry players can visit Krave to fuel up while they bowl some frames. Launch has activities for all ages, and it’s built for all-day fun.

What games and activities does Launch Entertainment provide?

Many communities have a plethora of family entertainment centers. Bowling alleys, skating rinks, mini-golf, and pool parks all serve the ultimate purpose, which is to have fun! One of the best FEC franchises is Launch Entertainment. With wall-to-wall trampolines, a rock wall, battle pit, and so much more, Launch is the place for all-day fun with friends, family, a group, or even coworkers! Family entertainment centers have activities from toddlers to adults – all ages can enjoy.

Trampoline Courts: Our massive trampoline surfaces let customers launch themselves to new heights. They can slam dunk on the basketball court or flip into the Launch Pad.

Dodgeball: We take dodgeball to the next level with our trampoline dodgeball court.

Cliffhanger: Our cliffhanger Mountain rock climbing wall lets customers challenge themselves in a safe environment.

Battle Pit: Our multi-attraction battle pit is a place where friends can challenge each other to a jousting battle or BOSU balls to see who will be the last one standing.

In addition, when you need to refuel, customers can enjoy our full-service Krave restaurant. Whether it’s handmade pizza or fresh salad, all of our food is made-to-order with fresh ingredients.

Consider franchising with Launch Entertainment

Striving to give more each day to the people in the communities we serve, Launch offers an exciting experience for any occasion. It has all the ingredients for a successful business with ongoing support and guidance to help steer you on the path toward success.

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.

Family Entertainment Center Franchise Awards New Location to Jae Noh in Northern Virginia

MANASSAS, Va. – (March 16, 2022) – Launch Entertainment, a leading operator and franchisor of innovative, year-round family entertainment centers, is continuing to grow its presence across the nation. The franchise’s latest deal will bring Launch’s fun-filled experience for all ages to Manassas, Virginia, and the surrounding community.

Launch Entertainment, headquartered in Warwick, Rhode Island, is one of the fastest-growing family recreation movements in the United States. The state-of-the-art family entertainment center franchise was founded in 2012 by Rob and Erin Arnold. Launch offers a differentiated entertainment experience with a wide variety of attractions and amenities for all ages, including XP Arena, ninja courses, laser tag arenas, virtual reality rooms, ropes courses, bowling, trampolines, Krave restaurant, and Bar Hops beverage service, and more.

Jae Noh, the latest Launch Entertainment franchisee, has worked for the government in the patent industry for more than 30 years. Noh is thrilled to launch a new career as his own boss while bringing the Northern Virginia community its very own family entertainment center. The Manassas Launch location is currently in development with plans to open by 2023. As residents of the area, Noh and his family know the value of a fun-filled experience with a great atmosphere to celebrate birthdays, family gatherings, church events, work outings, or just a date night that everyone from all walks of life can enjoy.

“As a father to two daughters, it’s been challenging to find places to go as a whole family,” said Noh. “In the Northern Virginia area, there’s honestly not much to do. When I heard about Launch and what they have to offer not only to the children but parents too, it really influenced my decision. Launch Entertainment fills a much-needed void in our community. I can’t wait to provide a safe, fun, and positive destination for everyone to enjoy and spend quality time together.”

Launch Franchisees are beneficiaries of comprehensive support and training from an industry-leading franchise team. Franchisees like Noh enjoy the independence of small business ownership while being backed by the benefits of a big business network.

Launch’s model, differentiated amenities, and one-of-a-kind Krave restaurant are key factors that made Noh confident in bringing the family entertainment center into the community he calls home.  Launch Entertainment is a service-based, high-margin business that drives repeat customers by going above and beyond what most family entertainment businesses offer.

“Launch Entertainment supports my objective of attracting more activity-based clientele,” Noh said of his decision. “Their innovative business model coupled with their willingness to evolve and improve customer satisfaction speaks volumes. My beliefs align seamlessly with Launch’s leadership team to always stay ahead of the curve. As the demands of customers change, Launch’s business model allows us to remain competitive and the number one choice for those seeking an exhilarating experience.”

Launch currently has 25 family entertainment centers open for business in 13 states across the nation. The rapid expansion of the family entertainment franchise continues by the hour, with numerous other locations in various stages of development.

“Launch Entertainment will be a fantastic addition to Manassas and the surrounding community,” said Launch CEO Rob Arnold. “We are thrilled to continue expanding our footprint across the nation and the state of Virginia. Jae is a visionary. He has ambitious goals for the Manassas Launch location. We are excited to support his endeavors and watch Jae thrive as he works to open his very first family entertainment center.”

Visit www.launchtrampolinepark.com for more information.

For franchising information, visit https://launchtrampdev.wpengine.com/franchise/franchise/.

ABOUT LAUNCH FRANCHISING, LLC

Founded in 2012 by entrepreneurs Rob and Erin Arnold, Launch Entertainment is an innovative leader in the family entertainment industry. What started as an indoor trampoline park for kids has evolved into a year-round, all-inclusive family entertainment center featuring an XP Arena, ninja courses, climbing walls, laser tag, battle pits, bowling, giant trampoline surfaces, and more. As an ideal space for kids and adults alike, Launch offers a safe and enjoyable environment for date nights, birthday parties, family events, corporate events, church outings, fundraisers, and other get-togethers. Currently, there are 25 parks open and operating in 13 states, with numerous others in development across the country.

Erin Arnold, Co-Founder of Launch Entertainment, Ranked Top 10 Admired Women in Franchises

WARWICK, R.I. – (March 10, 2022) – Launch Entertainment, a leading operator and franchisor of innovative, year-round family entertainment centers, is recognizing its Co-Founder and COO Erin Arnold in tribute to Women’s History Month.

Erin and her husband, Rob, founded Launch Entertainment in 2012. This exciting venture was inspired by a rainy trip to Disney World. Instead of being the family seeking entertainment in ponchos, Erin decided to search for indoor activities for the whole family to enjoy. This random Google search led them to a trampoline park where Erin’s vision was conceived. The husband-and-wife duo quickly began crunching the numbers to see if they could open their very own park in Rhode Island. A year after this trip the two opened their first Launch location with their signature trampolines, a concession stand, and five arcade games.

“When our family visited that trampoline park 10  years ago, it was such a new concept,” Erin said. “We were amazed at how much fun you can have together as a family with just a few trampolines. So I thought, why not bring one to Rhode Island? This vision quickly turned into a reality. When we opened our first location, the entire state of Rhode Island showed up, and that’s when we knew we had something special.”

What began as an innovative trampoline park quickly evolved into a massive, trailblazing family entertainment center with a wide variety of attractions and amenities for everyone including XP Arena, ninja courses, laser tag, bowling, trampolines, premium food and beverage service, and more.

Erin spearheaded the need to differentiate Launch Entertainment from the competition. Erin was always researching the next attraction to keep people moving while having a blast. She envisioned Launch Entertainment’s experience to be a mapped-out journey of fun. One of her many accomplishments includes Launch’s one-of-a-kind Krave restaurant. While everything is a team effort, Erin came up with the unique name and signature recipes Krave has to offer.

“One of our core values we live by is to under-promise and over-deliver,” Erin said. “We didn’t want to serve mediocre food. We wanted Krave to become a standalone restaurant. After many failed recipes and several Costco trips, it’s a success. We have customers come in just for the fresh, made-to-order, high-quality food we provide. It’s a great feeling to have people enjoy the amenities we have to offer and finish their day with a meal surrounded by loved ones.”

Currently, Launch has 25 family entertainment centers operating in 13 states across the nation, with more than 40 locations in the pipeline. As co-founder and chief operating officer, Erin oversees the day-to-day operational and administrative functions of the franchise. With a background in business and a love for fitness, she’s thrilled to continue growing her family’s brand so that others may create lifelong memories while remaining active and engaged.

“My entrepreneurial experience has allowed me to wear many hats throughout my career,” Erin said. “This has helped me learn the ropes and gain a better understanding of the operations and marketing sides of the business. Through this constant learning process, we are eager to continue improving Launch Entertainment in-house; and for the community we aim to serve.”

Since its inception, Launch Entertainment has rapidly expanded its presence across the nation and the franchise world. Launch was recognized as a leading franchise in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 ranking for four consecutive years. Most recently, Erin was highlighted in Aspioneer Business World magazine as one of 2021’s top 10 admired women in franchising.

“Erin is the most determined, passionate, creative, hardworking person I know,” said Rob Arnold, CEO of Launch Entertainment. “When she has a vision, she turns it into a reality. In this case — a family entertainment business that has changed our lives. There’s no other person I’d want as my wife and business partner. It has been an honor building this franchise together, and we can’t wait to see what the future has in store for Launch Entertainment.”

Visit https://launchtrampdev.wpengine.com/franchise/ for more information.

For franchising information, visit http://launchtrampdev.wpengine.com/franchise/franchise/.

ABOUT LAUNCH FRANCHISING, LLC

Founded in 2012 by entrepreneurs Rob and Erin Arnold, Launch Entertainment is an innovative leader in the family entertainment industry. What started as an indoor trampoline park for kids has evolved into a year-round, all-inclusive family entertainment center featuring an XP Arena, ninja courses, climbing walls, laser tag, battle pits, bowling, giant trampoline surfaces, and more. As an ideal space for kids and adults alike, Launch offers a safe and enjoyable environment for date nights, birthday parties, family events, corporate events, church outings, fundraisers, and other get-togethers. Currently, there are 25 parks open and operating in 13 states, with numerous others in development across the country.

Owning a franchise is wildly popular in the United States. A 2021 statistic stated that in 2020, it’s estimated there are over 750,000 franchise establishments, outputting more than $600 billion and employing more than 7 million people.

When it comes to owning a franchise, it’s imperative to understand the franchise advantages as well as the disadvantages to ensure you’re making the best decision for your situation. Below, we’ve listed many of the advantages and disadvantages of franchising.

Are franchises still a promising investment today?

Franchising is a solid investment plan in today’s business climate. The support the franchise can provide to their local community is attractive to investors who hope to improve their communities as well as earn a high ROI.

Franchises are often considered less risky than independent businesses. Among the benefits of franchising, franchisees can piggyback off the company’s name recognition and rely on support from the leadership, as well as avoiding the company’s past failures.

Why would failure be a measure of a business’s success? Only companies that have failed, learned, and continue to grow are the ones able to lead within the market.

Advantages & disadvantages for franchise owners

Why Launch Entertainment is a great choice for a beginner

Launch Entertainment is a leader in the family entertainment industry. More than a trampoline park, Launch is built around a team driven to provide world-class action parks. The global indoor entertainment center market size was valued at $18 billion in 2017. It’s projected to reach $40 billion by 2025. It’s one of the fastest growing family entertainment trends.

Launch Entertainment is a prime example of franchise advantages coming to life. By becoming an investor with Launch, you will receive four weeks of comprehensive training including:

• Sales & Marketing Strategies
• Hands On Operational Training
• Classroom Training
• Human Resources Best Practices Guidance

The goal is for the franchisee to be able to run their own location by the end of training with minimal assistance. Post opening, Launch holds quarterly reviews with all owners to discuss areas of success and opportunities for improvement.

It’s the perfect choice for a beginner looking to become an entrepreneur. Launch provides all the tools, manuals and procedural guidance that allows the business owner to focus on successfully operating their local park.

When investing in a franchise, you’re required to stick to the franchisor’s regulations and honor the contracts they have with their suppliers. Launch manufactures their own equipment and attractions, avoiding that particular disadvantage of franchising. This allows flexibility with the park layout, and it keeps equipment cost low for franchisees.

Franchise Advantages & Disadvantages in 2022

Now that you’ve read through some of the advantages and disadvantages of owning a franchise, you have the tools to consider whether investing is the right step for you. By joining the Launch team, you’ll have instant brand awareness along with the backing of an experienced franchising team to help lead you toward success. You’ll be given the necessary support and resources for your business to thrive, making it a solid choice for an entrepreneur looking to enter the franchise world.

Franchising with Launch

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

Franchises geared towards kids are only trending upwards in popularity, offering great potential for entrepreneurs looking for future investments. There’s no shortage of potential customers in the industry. According to the Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics, there are 72.8 million children under the age of 18 living in the U.S., and that number is only expected to increase. Today’s children are savvier consumers than ever before. Now is the best time to take on a kid-focused franchise as children influence parental purchases totaling over $130 billion-$670 billion a year, which is more than ever before. That number is only expected to grow.

What are the varieties of kid-focused franchises available today?

There are plenty of child-focused franchises to choose from. When you think franchises for kids, a plethora of categories come to mind: education, apparel, nutrition, and active play. Education centers focus on enriching a child’s education through different approaches in curriculum and tutoring. With apparel, durability and price are what people care about. Children’s franchises focused on nutrition are centered around maintaining a well-balanced diet and creating a health-conscious mind within the child. Franchises focused on active play may be the most rewarding. If you invest in a family entertainment franchise like Launch Entertainment, you’ll be helping create a lifetime of irreplaceable memories for families. You’ll be responsible for providing a space that will benefit every member of the family.

Why you should consider a kids franchise

There will always be a demand for child-focused franchises as parents are always looking for ways to entertain, encourage, or educate their kids. Owning a franchise like Launch Entertainment is both gratifying and potentially profitable, while keeping you young at heart. The U.S. Census Bureau projects there will be roughly 80 million children by 2030, a promising outlook for any future investor in the kid’s industry. A well-known advantage of owning franchises for kids is that they can provide fulfilling careers. Many franchisees who elect to invest in children find themselves having a far more rewarding experience financially. They enjoy the lifelong relationships they build with families who come to their business repeatedly. One of the greatest advantages of child-focused franchises are that they are typically recission resistant. Families are always looking for something for their children to do outside of the home, where they can burn off their energy. Launch provides this exact space for the entire family.

Parents investing more in their children than ever

Some parents are laying the foundation for their children as soon as they are a thought. As their child grows, they continue to invest in them, and currently, children now influence upwards of $500 billion in household spending, including items outside the traditional realm of kids’ products. A study by American Demographics magazine states 4- to 12-year-olds spend more than $40 billion, while teens spend $155 billion of their own money. Compare that to the 1960s, when children only influenced an estimated $5 billion of their parents’ purchases – that’s about $47 billion in today’s dollars — and had very little of their own spending money.

What is the outlook of this industry?

The outlook of this industry is booming. The child franchise opportunities are endless and have gained significant traction in the last decade. As most franchises for kids are recession-resilient, they also have comparatively low cost compared to other franchises. Diving deeper, Launch Entertainment has competitive initial fees in the realm of other trampoline park businesses. With the population predicted to continue to grow and the expectation that parents will continue to invest in their kids, it’s clear investing in Launch would be a rewarding business venture.

Learn more about Launch franchises

As an ideal space for kids and adults alike, Launch offers a safe and enjoyable environment for date nights, birthday parties, family events, corporate events, church outings, fundraisers, and other get-togethers. Currently, there are 29 parks open and operating in 13 states, with numerous others in development across the country.

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