The Factory is a
Family Affair
John Elderkin, assistant editor, Funworld

This year IAAPA invited FECs from around the world to enter its inaugural Top FECs of the World awards program. Eleven winners were chosen, and each issue of Funworld this year will feature one of the winners.

When North Carolina businessman Phil Drake began thinking over what sort of entertainment facility might best suit the needs of the local community, he determined that offering a place that would appeal to multigenerational families would be a top priority. Franklin, N.C., is a rural foothills town nestled in the western part of the state, and the area didn’t offer many opportunities for family entertainment. So when Drake moved forward with plans for an FEC, he decided to take a somewhat unusual approach—his facility would emphasize food and restaurant service, guarantee excellent quality, and market itself as a gathering place for everyone in the area.

Drake found a location that fit his plans perfectly—a 60,000-square-foot former textile factory that had been vacant for several years. He gutted the building, which he named The Factory, then laid out plans for indoor miniature golf, an arcade, a bowling alley, and a children’s area, and he still had room left for three restaurant areas. “Being under one roof and featuring all the dining options really sets us apart,” says Director of Special Projects Dwayne Phillips.

The Factory opened in 2002. Its main dining room, the Boiler Room, offers relaxed patio dining, which is especially appealing to older customers. “Franklin and the surrounding areas have an aging population, it’s a retirement community, and the Boiler Room is a nice place to have dinner or it can be a comfortable environment for grandparents while the younger people play,” Phillips says. While dining, customers can enjoy a waterfall with 100 feet of rushing water and two cozy fireplaces.

Customers can also find hand-tossed New York style pizza at The Pizzeria and a sporting atmosphere at The Break Room, where they can watch wide-screen televisions and enjoy subs, smoothies, and salads.

Food service helps make The Factory unique, but its everything-under-one-roof floor plan is equally compelling. Customers can enjoy games while being unaffected by the weather, and throughout the building, a sense of friendly togetherness is produced. “You have everybody inside, enjoying everything we have to offer, and that helps create a great mood,” Phillips says.

At one end of The Factory is a large, 10-lane bowling alley. It offers a smoke-free environment—unusual for most alleys—and can operate under normal lighting, or in the dark with a glow-in-the-dark feature. Large TV screens have been installed over the pins, making the game a multisensory experience that all ages enjoy.

The Grand Theater hosts special events like group and choir performances and karaoke contests. The Arcade has become an area where teenagers like to meet with friends and take in some excitement. Each game has been carefully selected after meeting stringent family-friendly requirements, and more than half the games are redemption games that invite friendly competition. Younger kids enjoy the Children’s Area, which includes a giant inflatable slide, a carousel, go-karts, and, perhaps most important, a large porch area that provides a place for parents to unwind with a cold drink while watching their children. On top of all this, there are two miniature golf options—nine holes indoors and 18 outside—and a laser tag area.

As for the future, Phillips says the people at The Factory are still learning the ropes, but they are pleased with the business so far. “We have a nice environment that attracts repeat business, and we get rave reviews from our customers. So we’ll keep doing our best.”