Today we’d like to introduce you to Jim Lewis
Hi Jim, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started my first business when I was 19 years old. It was a mortgage business that primarily served people who flipped homes. Eventually, I ended up in the commercial and retail real estate business but also ended up owning a natural foods store and pharmacy in Bryan, Texas. (When you don’t define yourself too narrowly, you open yourself to opportunities from wherever they come.)
AREA 254 was and is a passion project. At this point in my life, if I was going invest the energy (and capital) required to launch another business, it needed to be something fun. And what is more fun than creating unforgettable experiences for families and friends?
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The original idea was to create an outdoor karting track in Bryan. Unfortunately, the city council voted down the plan to build it in a park that was being created there.
Next, came a plan to build a two-story family entertainment center in the former Macy’s building in College Station. Unfortunately, officials from that city contacted the property seller and offered way more money than the seller already agreed to accept from me.
Finally, we found a building in Killeen. Thankfully, the people in the development office in Killeen are super easy to work with. They saw the plans for AREA 254, got excited about it, and guided us through their approval processes rather than buying the building out from under us.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about AREA 254?
AREA 254 was built for adults first. Kids will play where adults play, but adults don’t want to play at a kid place. This way, they can all enjoy AREA 254.
Our arcade has more than 100 state-of-the-art games – everything from modern pinball games to the latest in VR. We offer bowling with a 60′ LED wall above the lanes that we can customize to create different experiences. You can also play Angry Birds, HORSE, and a variety of games to enhance your bowling experience. Our two-story laser tag arena is visually immersive and spectacular. Our bumper cars spin when you hit the targets on their sides. Our roller skating rink has two enormous mirror balls and three screens that project the videos that go with the music being played. Our Krazy Darts lanes offer a new way to play something everyone already knows how to do. Our ValoArena is the latest in free roam, mixed reality playgrounds.
Our food is restaurant quality – and it is delivered by robots, which are fun. We have a 30-tap self-pour beer and wine wall that also features in-house mixed margaritas, sangria, Bellini, and seasonal drinks.
Whether coming in with friends, family, or colleagues, AREA 254 is the perfect venue. We host birthday parties, group events, team building activities, church outings, and more.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Starting a business always takes way more time and capital than you expect. It is like launching a rocket – so you need to make sure you don’t burn up, run out of gas, or explode before you catch flight. Remember that your family are onboard too, so make sure they are prepared for the adventure. If you are doing it to just make money, you probably won’t. You have to love it. That’s where the creativity comes from. Otherwise, why do it?
Pricing:
- Pricing is available on our website www.area254.fun
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.area254.fun
- Instagram: area254fun
- Facebook: area254fun
- Twitter: area254fun
Image Credits
Food picture credit: Francisco Avila. All other photos: Jim Lewis, except the ribbon-cutting photo, which was taken on my phone. (BTW – I am the one in the yellow shoes.)
