January 28, 2026 // Franchising.com // PLEASANTON, Calif. — iSmash, the fast-growing interactive entertainment brand known for its high-energy Rage Rooms and colorful Splatter Paint experiences, is officially opening its first U.S. West Coast. Situated in Pleasanton, California, the new iSmash will open on February 7. The Rose Pavilion shopping center is home to the new location, which brings the bold, immersive entertainment concept to the East Bay.
The experience offers guests a safe, interactive environment to break away from everyday stress through curated Smash and Splatter Paint. Designed for both individual visitors and groups, the venue features multiple areas ideal for birthdays, corporate team-building events, and private celebrations.
Spearheading the opening are local entrepreneurs Michael Hardman and Herman Yang. Hardman, a seasoned professional in the insurance and automotive industries, will oversee day-to-day operations, while Yang, who runs a successful financial planning practice, brings a strategic approach to the business’s growth. Together, they aim to establish iSmash Pleasanton as a go-to entertainment destination for the East Bay community.
“Opening the first iSmash on the West Coast right here in Pleasanton is incredibly exciting,” said Hardman. “We wanted to create an experience that feels energetic, polished, and welcoming— something people can come back to again and again, whether they’re celebrating or just need a release.”
iSmash Pleasanton supplies all safety gear and materials required for each experience, with additional options that allow guests to bring their own smashable items from home. Age minimums begin at three years old for Splatter Paint and eight years old for Rage Rooms.
“Bringing iSmash to California marks a major milestone for our brand,” said Steven Shortino, founder and CEO of iSmash. “Michael and Herman share our commitment to delivering safe, exciting and repeatable experiences. Their local roots and passion for the community make them ideal partners to introduce iSmash to the West Coast.”
Committed to community engagement, Hardman and Yang plan to join the Pleasanton and Castro Valley Chambers of Commerce and collaborate with nearby businesses and organizations, positioning iSmash Pleasanton as a welcoming and involved venue in the community.
For more information and to book sessions at iSmash Pleasanton, visit https://ismashusa.com/locations/ca-pleasanton/. Guests can receive 10 percent off their first booking and enter for a chance to win a year of free Rage Room smashing.
Founded in 2018 by Steven Shortino, iSmash began as a bold idea in Rochester, New York, inspired by a viral video and driven by a passion for creating unique, cathartic experiences. Originally coined “Smash Therapy,” Shortino pivoted to the recognizable, iSmash name and launched the first location to immediate success. The brand offers a dynamic mix of immersive experiences—including Rage Rooms, black light Splatter Painting, and Axe Throwing—designed to meet growing consumer demand for activities that prioritize experiences over possessions.
With several years of operational success behind it, iSmash has developed a proven business model known for low start-up costs, high gross margins, and strong unit economics. Franchisees benefit from a robust support system that includes a 40-hour training program, daily operational assistance, access to a national supply chain, and integrated marketing through the brand’s in-house digital agency. As the largest and most recognized Rage Room concept in the country, iSmash offers entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to tap into a high-growth segment with the backing of a trusted brand.
For more details on iSmash and to purchase a Package, visit https://ismashusa.com/. To learn more about the iSmash franchise opportunity, visit https://ismashfranchise.com/.
SOURCE iSmash
iSmash is an entertainment concept for experiences like rage rooms, splatter paint, and axe throwing.