It's Really Stressful Opening Up an Arcade

[@chihchang1139]

I started a small business build in late 2019, just signed the lease. Then COVID hit. Construction stopped, bills started coming in, equipment, inventory, etc. It was a dark time my guy. Opening any brick and mortar location now is extremely difficult. Now with the high interest rates and banks not lending much at all and government funds have all run out, it's hard out there for your local businesses. Shop local guys. Support your neighborhood economy, that's how you get good neighborhoods

[@Cole_Douglas]

I’m opening a barcade in Cincinnati called 1-up (logo is a Mario boot filled with beer foaming over)....all my ideas are there just getting it off the ground is tough. I’m trying to self fund also.its almost overwhelming.

[@obsidian1710]

I got to make the beta test opening and can say that your, and the team's hard work definitely paid off. Really happy to have a Free Play in Ft. Worth, I plan on making frequent visits. And there's no shame in "bragging" about being passionate about arcades and knowing you're doing it right, opposed to just using arcade games as a vehicle to sell beer. Thanks for posting the video.

[@ddkim28]

I really appreciated you sharing this video! I have been a big fan of Free Play for 3 years now, and have been pulling for you as your business has grown. It may seem tough to realize or appreciate during these stressful times, but you have put light into people’s lives which is priceless (myself included!). At the end of the day, I think this is an amazing and worthwhile accomplishment and am grateful that I personally experienced the joy all of your efforts provided. THANK YOU, and I wish the entire Free Play family all the best!

[@ActuallyitsBK]

Offering the quality benefits you are providing for your staff says a lot about you as a founder. As someone who is about to start, I am inspired by what you all are doing. Well Done!

[@retroforce6919]

What you're doing for the community is great, bring back the 80's...😉👍

[@IndieArcadeWave]

I love to see how raw this is. Come on my show and tell the story. All I hear is how awesome the arcades are in Texas.

[@DanielSchmidt94521]

Thanks for the channel. I don’t want to open an arcade. But. I want to open my own snack bar and to convert an old building and have a bar and pool hall. I can only imagine how to do multiple locations. It’s an inspiration.

[@AKSnowKitty]

[@andyspinball]

You should build this in Charlotte, NC. We have a couple arcades but with Charlotte being the third largest growing relocation destination in the country, there is a LOT of opportunity here for this.

[@karting2277]

Corey, I've been watching your videos and loving the sights of all the old games I played through the 80's. I'd like to come visit one of your FreePlay locations but can't find a list of locations online anywhere. You guys need one website that links to all locations. Keep up the good work, Steve

[@FreePlayArcade]

Hello! Thank you for the kind words! Here's our main website that lists all of our locations. freeplayinc.com/

[@trentnix]

Any founder that doesn't have the stress and anxiety you're experiencing is a liar or is doomed to failure. I'd tell you not to sweat it since its normal, but sweating it is why you end up with a good product. But being in charge also means you have to be the one looking at the big picture and hire people to pay attention to the details. And if you're struggling with that (or if you're better off in the details), you need to hire someone to be in charge. You should probably consider being a part of a Mastermind group or find a couple of entrepreneurs (in different types of businesses) to bounce ideas off of and to vent to. Everyone needs an outlet for the anxiety you're experiencing, and you're right - you can't talk to employees about it. Being in charge is a lonely place.

[@niall1410]

Love the honesty. Hope COVID didnt hit you too hard. cant wait to get on a plane to come visit your arcades. thats happening ASAP

[@jbalien20]

You can always sell one of the location to either open a new location or invest more on your other locations.

[@808zhu]

Thanks for the insight

[@spiderwebus99]

I'm looking at starting an arcade in the town I'm in but I'm wondering on how to start. Looking into metrics and where too start

[@TheDreamX1]

Congrats guys!! I do have a question! I want to open a VR arcade but can not find anything on liscencing or copyright things ! What do I need legally if I buy lets say Pac man, galaga or streetfighter software!! where do I get that copyright liscence!! I really hope you can help out!! I have looked everywhere!!! Thanks and keep it up!!

[@metalespdude]

Should definitely put up art on the wall leading into the game room. Kinda like at Freeplay Arlington with donkey Kong

[@kennethj8236]

How did it go after this?

[@ematuskey]

Money guys aren't used to being told "no," heh. Hope you've been able to stay independent through COVID! And the arcade purists are probably just jealous of all the monitors you're sitting on. :p Looking forward to visiting at least a few of your locations next time I fly through DFW!

[@padistedor]

Are you expanding too fast?

[@cecilkent4887]

this what happens when you try to do way to much your aim should be games and customers no reason make it harded then need to be you can always add later .

[@jbalien20]

LOL! Only management get to work full-time. All workers know that.

[@mattsenft4810]

I find it a little amusing that a "Lawyer" is complaining about red tape and operating costs!

[@Choom89]

Shoulda hired me😜hahah...

[@MrTrap78]

LIstening to a guy bragging for twenty minutes is not my cup of tea.