How to Start a Family Entertainment Center: Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Owners
From concept to grand opening — everything you need to know before you break ground
Starting a Family Entertainment Center (FEC) is exciting — but if you don’t plan it right, it can also be expensive, exhausting, and risky.
Whether you're dreaming of arcades, laser tag, or duckpin bowling, this step-by-step guide will help you understand what it takes to turn your idea into a profitable business.
Step 1: Define Your Concept
Before you build anything, clarify your vision:
Who is your target audience (families, teens, adults)?
What attractions will drive repeat visits?
Are you including food and beverage?
Pro Tip: The best concepts are simple, focused, and based on real market demand.
Step 2: Conduct a Feasibility Study
This is where you separate dreamers from doers. A feasibility study includes:
Market demographics & competition
Revenue potential
Estimated startup and operating costs
Return on investment (ROI) models
Want one done professionally? [Learn More About Our Feasibility Services »]
Step 3: Build a Financial Plan
You'll need:
A 3–5 year financial forecast
Capital stack (loans, equity, personal funds)
Budget for pre-opening marketing, staffing, and inventory
Step 4: Secure Funding & Find a Site
Talk to SBA lenders and private investors
Look for high-traffic areas with strong household income
Avoid “cheap rent” traps — focus on visibility and access
Step 5: Design, Build, and Order Equipment
Architect your layout based on traffic flow and profitability
Order arcade/card systems, seating, kitchen equipment, and signage
Step 6: Hire, Train & Market
Develop training manuals, job descriptions, and SOPs
Launch your branding, website, and local marketing campaign 90 days before opening
Starting an FEC can feel overwhelming — unless you have the right team behind you. At FEC Guru, we’ve helped dozens of first-time operators plan, launch, and scale their dream.
