Even though online gaming is becoming more popular than ever, playing games with others virtually via home entertainment consoles or smart phones can still feel like an isolating experience. An arcade creates a physical environment where fun gaming experiences can be shared with family and friends.
Just like any other business that requires a large volume of people to be successful, you will want your Arcade business to be located in a high – traffic, highly visible location. In the United States, mall and tourist attractions create ideal operating locations for video arcades.
The largest and most successful video arcades also include food concession stands, retail product sales, such as theme T – shirts, and family pass options, all of which you’ll want to consider implementing.
However, your ideal customer will vary depending on what type of arcade you run. Traditional arcades tend to attract families and children; families can use arcade gaming as a bonding experience, while kids occupy the sweet spot of having disposable income without many entertainment options to spend it on.
Meanwhile, “barcades” tend to attract retro – loving hipsters who prefer to pair craft beer with vintage pinball. Aarcade/restaurant combos like Dave and Buster’s attract a wide variety of customers, from families to business people looking to blow off steam after work.
Also note that the cost of starting this business will vary considerably, depending on what kind of arcade you start. A traditional arcade might be able to get by in a small space, and you could keep your costs down in the $250,000 range. But for a bigger entertainment centre in malls and larger facilities, costs could approach $1 million.
Howbeit, always remember that the largest portion of an arcade’s startup cost is usually the games themselves. According to reports, these costs vary anywhere from $6,000 to $9,000, even a modest selection of 20 games takes up about half of that low – end $250k budget.
You’ll also need to lease a space, and that cost will vary depending on your location and the size of your arcade. A rough estimate would be in the $1,200 – $2,800 per month range for a space between 3,000 and 5,000 square feet.
Also have it in mind that a reminder of your budget will go toward acquiring additional machinery like computers and cash registers, renovating and decorating the space, and licensing fees. In addition, you’ll also need to pay your staff, although arcades require fewer employees than many other business types.
But if your arcade will serve food or beverages, you will require additional costs for acquiring machines and supplies. Your primary ongoing expenses will be rent and machine upkeep.
Utilities are also steady expenses, and with electronic machines running all day, they may cost more than you expect. Aside that, your monthly expenses will go to things like paying employees and keeping everything clean. Instead of starting this capital intensive business with a trial and error mindset, you could simply favour one of the many arcade franchise opportunities in the United States and enjoy a well-tested and proven business.
There are different arcade franchise opportunities in the United States and they all offer a different side to the arcade business. However, ensure to define your niche and vision before making a choice in this industry. These franchise opportunities include;
Best Arcade Franchise Opportunities
1. Ctrl V Partners LLC
Ctrl V remains one of the biggest, and perhaps the first and original line of virtual reality arcades in the United States. Every Ctrl V location offers the ability for patrons to try a new technology while playing games that they normally wouldn’t be able to experience at home.
Coupled with top-of-the-line hardware and the industry’s most requested and largest game library, Ctrl V has maintained its lead as one of the best in the market. In addition, with its exclusive industry partnerships, unique onboarding software, and a recognizable brand, Ctrl V has a runway for expansion into many other VR sub – markets as it innovates forward.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment: $200,000
- Total Investment: $200,000 – $300,000
2. The Brass Tap
This franchise offers more than extraordinary craft beers, handcrafted cocktails and in – house barrel – aged bourbons. They also offer unique food pairings, live music, trivia … as well as arcade, pinball, and Nintendo games that create an immersive experience. The company was founded in 2008, and as of 2018, the company operates 47 franchises in the United States.
Financial Requirements
- Initial Investment: $791,967 – $1,327,475
- Net – worth Requirement: $500,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $250,000
- Initial Franchise Fee: $37,500
- Ongoing Royalty Fee: 4%
- Ad Royalty Fee: 1.5%
3. uBreakiFix
uBreakiFix Co. repairs mobile phones and electronic devices. It offers repair services for iPhones, smart – phones, tablets, iPods, computers, and game consoles. Have it in mind that all repairs come with a 90 – day parts and labour warranty. The company also provides franchise options. It serves customers through stores in the United States and Athens.
Financial Requirements
- Initial investments: $60,400 – $225,350
- Net – worth Requirement: $200,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $130,000
- Initial Franchise Fee: $40,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee: 7%
4. Round Table Pizza
This company is known as one of the largest chain of pizza parlours in the western United States. The company’s headquarters are located in Concord, California. The company was founded in 1959 by William R. Larson in Menlo Park, California.
Presently, the company operates two formats. Traditional Round Table Pizza restaurants serve primarily pizza, salads and beverages. A new format, Round Table Pizza Clubhouse – Pizza Pub features expanded entertainment with arcade games for children and big – screen TVs with sports programming.
Financial Requirements
- Initial investments: $426,500 – $836,250
- Net – worth Requirement: $500,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $200,000
5. trueVRsystems
This Franchise is unlike other franchise offerings. Instead of trying to fit a square peg in a round hole, this company strives to work with successful applicants to tailor make a solution specific to their market. Howbeit, the common denominator is the trueVRsystem.
It is a proprietary, customized VR entertainment platform which forms the centrepiece attraction for your VR Centre / Arcade business concept or an add – on profit centre to your existing entertainment facility.
Financial Requirements
- Starting investments from: $300,000