Top 10 Mistakes People Make When Starting an FEC (And How to Avoid Them)
What we’ve seen after launching 30+ centers across the U.S.
We’ve seen the dream come alive — and the dream crash hard. The difference? Preparation.
If you’re thinking about starting a Family Entertainment Center, don’t just chase the fun. Avoid these 10 early-stage mistakes that cost time, money, and momentum.
Skipping the Feasibility Study
- Underestimating Buildout Costs 
- Picking the Wrong Location 
- Choosing Attractions Based on Personal Preference, Not ROI 
- Neglecting Food & Beverage 
- Relying on the Landlord for Answers 
- Overestimating Year-One Revenue 
- Failing to Budget for Marketing 
- Hiring Too Late or Too Light 
- Trying to DIY the Entire Process 
Starting an FEC isn’t easy — but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. These mistakes are avoidable when you have the right partner from the start.

