Two 40-Something Brothers Give Entrepreneurs the `Time of Their Lives'
February 06, 2009 // Franchising.com // Austin, TX – An emerging national franchise is allowing corporate America to trade their unsatisfying day jobs for a workweek of playing Guitar Hero, Halo 3 or laser tag, while entertaining children across the country – and it's taking off at rocket speed.
Games2U, a mobile video game theater concept created to fill the "tweener" crowd void in the multi-billion dollar party segment, has already sold 28 franchises, with16 units operational across the country after less than one year of franchising. Based on the current rate of inquiries, co-founders and brothers David and Stuart Pikoff expect to open at least 100 more franchises by the end of 2009.
By combining two of the most popular entertainment segments for kids – video games and laser tag – into one vehicle that's delivered to the doorsteps of the party child, Games2U is quickly resonating with both consumers and potential franchisees. Each party vehicle features the top games for systems like XBox 360, Playstation 3 and Wii systems, among others. High tech Laser tag guns function in daylight or dark, and can be set up in front or backyards or in neighborhood parks.
mission is to create 'rock star' birthday parties for the average kid at an affordable price," said David Pikoff. "Before we came along, it was the same-old-same-old for kids' parties, and most of it is for the younger kids," he said. "We know we are succeeding when our follow-up surveys include responses like, `My son said this was the best birthday party in the world.'"
Games2U is quickly replacing "same-old" traditional birthday celebrations such as bowling, ice skating and pizza parties. Right now, 50 percent of all Americans play video games and the $32 billion industry is expected to keep growing in the next decade, according to market research company Media Control GfK International. The target market for Games2U mobile video game parties is boys ages 7 to 14. Although birthday parties are the most commonly booked event for Games2U franchisees, owners also book plenty of school, church and corporate functions.
A Games2U party features cool customized vehicles, outfitted with multiple flat-screen TVs and video games inside and outside, as well as laser light shows and fog machines, ear-splitting surround sound, and pop-out awnings, all designed for up to 24 people to play simultaneously. In addition to the games and laser tag competitions, Games2U party participants can also roll around in a giant Hamsterball or shoot customized air cannons. The Pikoffs have even invented a new-age version of the piñata, the Game-yata™ which churns out candy when a player hits the target with a ball.
To satisfy the strong demand for their franchises in a tough financial market, Games2U recently launched the third version of their franchise model called "G3," a customized van that features life-sized video games inside an inflatable tent, for as little as $10,000 down. The average investment to open a Games2U franchise ranges between $90,000 - $225,000.
"Because Games2U is a home-based opportunity that requires no real estate or long-term lease commitment, the initial investment for the franchise is significantly lower than food or retail concepts," Stuart Pikoff said. "We built this franchise opportunity on the premise that work should be all fun and games, and we're having the time of our lives."
About Games2U
Games2U is transforming the video gaming and party industry. Founded in 2007 by brothers David and Stuart Pikoff, Games2U offers an interactive, state-of-the-art entertainment alternative for birthday, corporate and community gatherings. With parties starting at $199, the franchise is quickly becoming one of the hottest attractions at outdoor events and community and corporate gatherings.
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