As the restaurant industry continues to be hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, the “Eatertainment” sector has been negatively affected by fears, restrictions, and occupancy limitations.  “Eatertainment” is a dining experience that exhibits a flare of entertainment mixed with delicious food and beverage. Some popular “Eatertainment” staples include Dave & Buster’s and Chuck E. Cheese. The thrilling childhood experience of Chuck E. Cheese, where “a kid can be a kid,” provides guests with games and mouth watering foods like pizza and pink cotton candy. After playing the day away, perhaps the most memorable part of the experience consists of cashing in all the winning tickets for an exciting prize. Fortunately, the “Eatertainment” chain was recently able to successfully recover from near bankruptcy caused by COVID-19.

While the childhood memories of entertainment mixed with delicious food may appear to be a kid’s zone, "Eatertainment” has become more prevalent and could become your next date night destination.

Check out these unique and engaging “Eatertainment” options that will bring some excitement into your next dining experience.

House of Blues was inspired by blues music and entertainment mixed with delicious food is their staple. Located in eleven locations nationwide, guests are encouraged to “eat, drink, and rock.” I have personally dined at the Myrtle Beach location. The unique rustic interior is paired with an enchanting southern edge. The location serves fried chicken with a bourbon-honey glaze which could easily be one of the most satisfying meals that I experienced on my vacation. In fact, it was so delicious, I had to go back twice!

Barcade, the perfect combination of a bar meets arcade, has eight locations sprawled out from New York to California. The interactive experience serves brewed beers from around the country. While enjoying a beverage, guests can travel back to the 1980s and 1990s with a mix of pinball and classic arcade games like Donkey Kong and Pac Man.

Spin morphs the exhilarating game of ping pong in with delicious food and drinks. The #unitedbypingpong experience allows groups to play ping pong while enjoying a selection of different menu options varying by location.

Top Golf: the interactive golfing experience encourages guests to channel their inner golf pro, while enjoying food and drinks with friends. Groups hang out in a climate-controlled bay where they can select games to play and order food. Top Golf is an interactive experience that friends, and family, and even kids will enjoy.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the “Eatertainment” sector has been negatively impacted. Guests, like myself, are hesitant to go out in groups and engage in these fun dining options. However, there are ways to make “Eatertainment” feel safer for guests.

1. Adhere to CDC guidelines. For example, if guests are not spaced accordingly, they most likely will feel uncomfortable and will be instantly regretting their decision.  

2. Be explicit. Directly on the Spin main page, expectations are clearly and easily identifiable and defined. The “Eatertainment” option is explicit with their cleaning and sanitation practices and describes what guests should anticipate with check-in and their overall experience. Some of their measures include touchless temperature checks, larger sections for more social distancing, deep cleaning, and sanitization. I was wildly impressed with the company’s clear commitment.

3. Integrate Contactless Options. In a study conducted by American Express, “58% of consumers who have used contactless say they are more likely to use contactless payments now than before the outbreak.” Customers must enjoy themselves and feel that their choice to engage in an “eatertainment” experience feels safe. Bbot can help. The contactless order, tip, and pay technology can not only help your guests feel more comfortable, but the technology can also help to strengthen your restaurant’s operations. Orders will be completed faster as guests can order quickly from their mobile device without having to wait for a server to take their order. Checks get sent directly to the kitchen, leaving no room for lag time.