September 1, 2013
While birthday parties are still an important revenue source, roller skating rinks from the Rockaways to Venice Beach are finding innovative methods to draw unusual events to their locations. For example, at Portland’s Oaks Park Amusement Park and Roller Rink, Emily MacKay, the promotions and events manager, is taking advantage of Washington State’s new marriage […]
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May 20, 2013
Keep it Clean: Constantly inspect the skating surface and surrounding areas for debris. Watch the Flow: Make sure skaters are moving in the right direction and not weaving or playing tag. Check the Skates: Routinely inspect skates for problems.
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May 20, 2013
Roller skating pros whizzing by can be daunting for less advanced skaters, and the role of the roller skating center is to provide a space for all levels of skaters to move about safely. Employee training in the area of safety is therefore critical. Short of following the weak and wobbly skaters around the rink, […]
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April 4, 2013
In this time of the constant entertainment provided by tablets and smart phones, roller rinks around the country are still drawing in customers with old-fashioned fun. But the centers are also mindful that change is essential to keeping in tune with current thinking regarding how customers are spending their leisure entertainment dollars. “We have so […]
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April 5, 2012
Invest in a colorful menu. Showcase the foods with full-color photos. And if the venue or restaurant has a theme, match the menu graphics and style with that theme. For example, a tropical restaurant might feature a brightly colored menu, while a retro or even diner-themed eatery might play off of 1950s Americana. Include a […]
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April 5, 2012
I am so excited about digital menu boards, and for a very good reason! First let me detail some of their benefits, and at the end of this article I’ll tell you why I’m so jazzed. The digital menu board is an ideal option when thinking about the replacement of your conventional light boxes or […]
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November 2, 2011
Robert (Bob) Scott was born and raised in the roller skating business, as was his son, Jeff Scott. Bob’s father, Albert (Scottie) Scott started the business in 1936 when he operated his first rink in an upstairs hall. In 1939 he built a semi-portable rink that he operated in Hamilton, Ill., during the spring and […]
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September 1, 2011
Hiring for a roller skating center can be much like tryouts for a team sport. When asked about their hiring process, several RSA members said they have actual tryouts. Picture a scene similar to that of the local high school varsity football team tryout, but instead of a position on the football team, it’s a […]
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August 1, 2011
Years ago roller skating centers offered an organ, disco ball and maybe a few snacks for customers to enjoy. Stroll into one of today’s modern skating centers and your senses might overload. Music, lights and real food offer an atmosphere of pure entertainment. So what are all these high-tech gadgets and what is the benefit? […]
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June 1, 2011
Family Entertainment Centers (FECs) offer a variety of activities for all ages. The Roller Skating Association International has many members who own and operate FECs. Scott Drummond, Party Center Software, and former FEC owner with 11 years experience, offered a few tips in regard to planning an expansion into the FEC world. “You need to […]
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