Episodes

  • Ep. 130 - Building Better Player Experiences with David Spira of Room Escape Artist

    Ep. 130 - Building Better Player Experiences with David Spira of Room Escape Artist
    Mar 25 2026
    On this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ sits down with David Spira, the Co-Founder of Room Escape Artist and the Co-Host of Reality Escape Pod. With over 1,300 games under his belt, David brings a designer’s eye to the "Wild West" of escape rooms. We dive deep into the transition from software design to physical experience design, exploring why "hard" isn't always "better" and how the smallest details—from flickering lights to clean bathrooms—can make or break your guest's memories. "The more that the environment and the things they're doing within it are reinforcing that they're in another world, the better they're going to—the easier they're going to find really surrendering to the experience. And that's what you want." David Spira Whether you’re a veteran operator or just curious about the magic behind the door, this episode is a must-watch in intentional hospitality for any entertainment venue.
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    45 mins
  • Ep. 129 - The Strategic Evolution of Virtual Reality in FECs with Armando Lanuti

    Ep. 129 - The Strategic Evolution of Virtual Reality in FECs with Armando Lanuti
    Mar 18 2026
    On this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ sits down with Armando Lanuti, Owner and President of Creative Works, for a deep dive into the changing landscape of virtual and mixed reality. While VR was once viewed as a high-tech novelty, it has matured into a sophisticated anchor for modern family entertainment centers. Armando discusses how the industry has shifted from consumer-grade experiments to robust, commercial-grade attractions that deliver a consistent return on investment. "How do I make this an attraction that's going to last you the five years that you want or more for your investment? Our goal is to make sure the product has the legs for you to get that amortization." Armando Lanuti For operators looking to invest in mixed and virtual reality attractions, Armando provides essential insights on choosing the right hardware, navigating ownership models, and ensuring that new technology complements your overall guest experience rather than complicating it.
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    45 mins
  • Ep. 128 - Navigating FEC Financing with Jerry Merola

    Ep. 128 - Navigating FEC Financing with Jerry Merola
    Mar 11 2026
    On this episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ sits down with Jerry Merola, Managing Partner at Amusement Entertainment Management, LLC, where we discuss how to navigate FEC financing. Jerry shares his deep expertise on how the financing landscape has shifted post-2020 and why "pre-approval" is a myth in the commercial world. From the necessity of independent feasibility studies to the art of the 10-minute executive summary, this conversation is a masterclass for any entrepreneur looking to turn their entertainment dream into a sustainable reality. "Banks are making an investment not just in a future business model, but they’re making an investment in the individual or individuals that stand behind it. They’re trying to understand the scope and the depth of the investigation... to really understand the viability and sustainability of the business." — Jerry Merola Don't let your project stall at the bank door. Listen now for the blueprint to FEC success!
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    35 mins
  • Ep. 127 - How to Build a Culture of Connection at Downtown Flavortown, AAMA FEC of the Year Finalist, with Bucky Mabe

    Ep. 127 - How to Build a Culture of Connection at Downtown Flavortown, AAMA FEC of the Year Finalist, with Bucky Mabe
    Mar 4 2026
    On this special edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ concludes our special 4-part series featuring the finalists for the American Amusement Machine Association (AAMA) FEC of the Year award! We finish our series with the one and only, Bucky Mabe of Downtown Flavortown (FACE Amusement) in Pigeon Forge, TN. Bucky shares how their "FACE" core values (Faith, Attitude, Consistency, and Excellence) serve as the 'north star' for a massive seasonal operation, and why they prioritize 'Plus One' moments to turn a standard outing into a lifelong memory. From duckpin bowling and arcade high scores to Guy Fieri’s iconic menu, learn how this 43,000-square-foot powerhouse became the most visited entertainment venue in Tennessee. "When you launch a new concept, you don't really know how the guest is going to treat it. We think we know… but you don't really know until they start showing up. In this concept, people are coming for the food and staying for the fun, as opposed to just coming for the fun and maybe eating." -Bucky Mabe Bucky describes the secret sauce that leads with a world-class culinary brand to create a destination that appeals to an entirely new demographic.
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    39 mins
  • Ep. 126 - Cultivating "Second Mile Service" at High 5 Exchange, AAMA FEC of the Year Finalist, with Jenny Emley

    Ep. 126 - Cultivating "Second Mile Service" at High 5 Exchange, AAMA FEC of the Year Finalist, with Jenny Emley
    Feb 25 2026
    On this special episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ continues our special 4-part series featuring the finalists for the American Amusement Machine Association (AAMA) FEC of the Year award! We are next joined by Jenny Emley, one of the visionaries behind High 5 Exchange, who shares the heart behind their success, "Second Mile Service." This principle, inspired by Chick-fil-A, challenges team members to look past the basic requirements of their jobs to create a truly outstanding guest experience. "We really believe firmly in that second mile service. Teaching our team… you have to give them their food, you have to get them on their bowling lane. But what’s that second mile service? We want to show that amazing guest service and go that extra mile to make sure that their experience is outstanding and that they want to come back and that they feel valued." -Jenny Emley Jenny explains how they tailor each new location to the specific needs of the local community—like adding pickleball in Florida or a live music venue in North Texas—rather than sticking to a rigid, one-size-fits-all model.
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    29 mins
  • Ep. 125 - Crafting a Culture of Service at Uptown Alley, AAMA FEC of the Year Finalist, with Chris Barton

    Ep. 125 - Crafting a Culture of Service at Uptown Alley, AAMA FEC of the Year Finalist, with Chris Barton
    Feb 18 2026
    On this special edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ continues our special 4-part series featuring the finalists for the American Amusement Machine Association (AAMA) FEC of the Year award! We are joined next by Chris Barton, Assistant General Manager of Uptown Alley in Surprise, Arizona. Chris shares how this 60,000-square-foot powerhouse has evolved from a bowling-centric hub into a diverse entertainment destination. "The biggest thing that I believe sets us apart is service. I want my team to be able to tell me: What did you do today that the guest is going to remember tomorrow?" — Chris Barton, Uptown Alley We dive deep into the "entertainment arms race," the importance of scratch-kitchen dining, and why "hiring the person, not the resume" is the secret sauce to creating unforgettable guest memories. Whether you’re curious about navigating tech trends or building community ties, Chris offers a masterclass in staying relevant through humility and extreme ownership.
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    24 mins
  • Ep. 124 - Inside Star Lanes Polaris, AAMA FEC of the Year Finalist, with Doug Mechling

    Ep. 124 - Inside Star Lanes Polaris, AAMA FEC of the Year Finalist, with Doug Mechling
    Feb 11 2026
    On this special episode of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ kicks off a special 4-part series featuring the finalists for the American Amusement Machine Association (AAMA) FEC of the Year award! We first sit down with Doug Mechling, owner of Star Lanes Polaris in Columbus, Ohio. Doug takes us behind the scenes of their 35,000-square-foot facility, sharing how they transformed a former Circuit City into a premier bowling-anchored destination. "I think the best compliment we get is when people come in and ask, 'How long have you guys been here?' and we're 13 years old. If you walked into our place, you would have no way of knowing." — Doug Mechling Doug digs into how they have stayed relevant by mixing in high-tech hits like 501 Darts, but the fancy stuff only gets you so far. The real reason Star Lanes Polaris is a top-tier finalist is its obsession with the small, unglamorous details that stick with guests long after they leave.
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    31 mins
  • Ep. 123 - How to Use AI to Boost Revenue ft. Laura Zorn of Bravoz

    Ep. 123 - How to Use AI to Boost Revenue ft. Laura Zorn of Bravoz
    Feb 4 2026
    On this edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ sits down with Laura Zorn, owner of Bravoz Entertainment in Jacksonville, to discuss the practical and profitable integration of AI in family entertainment centers. Forget the "robot takeover" tropes, Laura explains how she’s using smart automation to solve the biggest headaches in the FEC world. From hitting an 80% close rate on birthday parties to reclaiming hours of staff time, Laura shares the exact blueprint she used to move her team away from the computer screen and back onto the floor with guests.
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    36 mins