Vol. VI, No. 6, December 2006
Editor's corner
We've managed to squeeze out this issue of the Leisure eNewsletter soon after our last October-November issue. In fact, this is the first monthly issue after many months of being able to publish only bi-monthly. What's the explanation? Lots of flying time, plus having to hole up in a hotel room during a recent blizzard in a city where I was working. I find it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to write in the office. There are just too many disturbances that kill the writing flow. So the quiet time up at 30,000-35,000 feet works great, even with the seat trays as small as they are. At least they will hold my computer. When the flight attendant serves the drinks, it can get to be a challenge. That's why I have an iSkin cover over my keyboard, just in case the drink doesn't cooperate by staying in the glass.
It's really amazing how fast our industry is evolving. In fact, as you'll read in our article, The death of entertainment, we think the location-based entertainment industry needs to change its name to meet the needs of modern consumers. We even have new entrants, such as Nolan Bushnell and his uWink concept, bashing the old evergreen concepts, such as Chuck E. Cheese's, interestingly enough, created by Bushnell. Read all about it Founder rats on the cheese.
If you are thinking about opening a location-based venue, or you currently own or operate one, an excellent way to learn more about the industry and stay up to date on the best formulas for success is to attend Foundations Entertainment University. Our first for 2007 will be held Feb. 6-8 in Houston, Texas, hopefully far enough south to avoid blizzards.
And make sure you read about our latest project to open, StoneFire Pizza Co. and take a look at the slideshow. The photos aren't the most professional, as I took them, but they'll give you an idea of the caliber of this trend-setting project that features four "firsts" for the fast-evolving family pizza buffet-entertainment eatertainment concept. We're very proud of it. Best of all, sales appear to be exceeding original projections.
Wishing everyone the best for the holiday season.
Randy White,
Editor
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