As part of the Novak Roadshow, my monthly consulting tour aimed at helping Family Entertainment Center (FEC) operators optimize their businesses, I recently visited a brand-new facility that completely blew me away: The Hub in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Meeting with Philip Glass, who was instrumental in getting the facility open, I got an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at a massive entertainment complex. Only two weeks into their opening, they are already showcasing some incred

In the world of Family Entertainment Centers (FECs), there’s a common playbook: hire a general contractor, buy your attractions from a catalog, and call a tech support line when the lights go out. Then, there’s The Castle Fun Center in Chester, NY. I recently had the chance to tour this sprawling facility with their General Manager, Mike , and I walked away with a massive amount of respect for their operation. The Castle is a masterclass in the "Hands-on Ethos." While many f