Novak Roadshow Recap: 50 Years of Innovation at Bongo’s Fun Center

Clint and Brett outside Bongos

The Novak Roadshow is back on the move! Our mission is to find the hidden gems and operational brilliance that move the needle in the FEC industry. This month, the road took me to Fort Walton Beach, Florida, where Brett and Kourtney welcomed me in for a full tour of their incredible facility: Bongo’s Fun Center.

What makes this stop so special is the history. Originally founded in 1976 as the iconic Fort SK8, Bongo’s is officially celebrating 50 years of entertaining the community. It is a masterclass in how to take a half-century staple and successfully pivot into a modern, multi-attraction destination that feels fresh, safe, and—most importantly—profitable.

The Bongo’s Rundown

Bongo’s isn't just a skating rink anymore; it’s a full-scale Family Entertainment Center. While the massive skating floor remains the heart of the operation (especially during their "Bongo's Beats After Dark" sessions), they’ve spent 50 years perfecting the mix by adding:

• A State-of-the-Art Soft Play Playground: A massive hit for the younger crowd.

• A High-Energy Arcade: Featuring a mix of the latest hits and classic redemption.

  
  

The "Dirty Soda" Revolution

If you haven't heard of Dirty Soda yet, get ready—I actually have a full RePlay Magazine article coming out next month deep-diving into why this trend is taking off!

Bongo’s has fully embraced this at their "Beats & Bites" cafe. For the uninitiated, a Dirty Soda is a custom concoction where you take a base soda and "spike" it with cream, fresh lime, and flavored syrups. It’s a high-margin, highly Instagrammable trend that offers a premium experience over a standard fountain drink. Seeing it in action at Bongo’s confirmed my belief: after 50 years in the game, these guys still know how to spot a winning trend before the rest of the pack.

The "D20" Claw Experiment

One of the most unique "Novak Roadshow" finds during the tour was how Brett and Kourtney are thinking outside the box with their equipment. They took a standard claw machine and put a large 20-sided die (D20) inside.

The gameplay is simple but brilliant:

1. You use the claw to pick up and "roll" the die.

2. If it lands on a 5, you get to claim a prize from the redemption counter!

It’s a low-cost, high-engagement modification that adds a layer of "event" gaming to a traditional crane. It’s exactly the kind of creative floor management that has kept this place running for five decades.

The Verdict

Bongo’s is proof that longevity comes from evolution. By honoring their 50-year history while leaning into modern food trends and creative arcade strategies, Brett and Kourtney are setting the pace for the next generation of family entertainment. Huge thanks to them for the hospitality and happy 50th!

Want the Novak Roadshow to visit YOUR location?

We’ve visited over 250 facilities since 2024, sharing operational efficiencies and "paying it forward" to fellow owners and operators across the country. If you’d like us to stop by your center for a tour, a "fresh set of eyes" consulting visit, or to be featured in a future recap, reach out today!

Let’s connect and grow this industry together.