More and more diners are seeking immersive, memorable experiences from restaurants, and eatertainment is one way that consumers can find what they are looking for. While game-based locations may have led the charge, sports outlets featuring golf, bowling, pickleball, and more are popping up to compete in the eatertainment space.
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Eatertainment has grown to a $120 billion global category and is continuing to gain momentum. Key trends like blurred lines between types of venues, dynamic pricing, membership models, and technology-first operations are where the industry seems to be headed.
As the competition grows, some eatertainment outlets are updating their offerings to attract attention and draw a crowd.
Dave & Buster’s has released a State of Fun Report, revealing that 48 per cent of respondents say their lives lack fun and 41 per cent say they wish there were more fun options for adults. In response, the company is adding 10 new games, including Hot Wheels Ultimate Speedway, ICEE, John Wick: Continental Pursuit, Perfect Pump, Kick N Win, Human Crane and more. The company is bringing back its Summer Season Pass, too, offering unlimited gameplay all summer long for as little as $1 a day, making it more accessible to visit the locations.
Chuck E. Cheese has partnered with Asmodee this season to bring the game “Spot It!” to life for an “immersive summer experience designed to get kids moving, thinking, and playing together in entirely new ways.” Launching in over 500 locations across the U.S. and Canada, the game will include fun centre gameplay, interactive dance floor activations, digital content, social engagement and exclusive family activities.
Top Golf is branching out, recently introducing international soccer-themed experiences in over 100 U.S. venues this summer, including an interactive soccer-inspired golf game, in-venue soccer goals, tournament-inspired food and drink specials, and premium game day packages tied to the global soccer season.
New eatertainment outlets are popping up with immersive, tech-forward, and multi-sensory leisure venues, offering guests a variety of options in the space, and existing spots will need to up their game to compete in this growing space.
