The Rising Popularity of Family Entertainment Centers Demands Specific Cleaning Practices

In the wake of the post-COVID-19 boom in the family entertainment center (FEC) industry, maintaining an impeccably clean facility is essential for enhancing the overall guest experience and staying competitive. As the demand for entertainment experiences skyrockets, cleanliness is no longer a backstage concern but a visible commitment to patron well-being and an absolute necessity if you want to stay viable.

Even as we put the pandemic in the rearview mirror, venues must ensure they meet hygiene standards and take the next step to make cleanliness a core element of their brand identity. Guests now perceive cleanliness as a tangible expression of an entertainment center’s dedication to their safety, reshaping industry standards and demanding a proactive, meticulous, and customer-centric approach to cleanliness in every facet of the facility.

Addressing the specific cleaning needs of each entertainment zone becomes a strategic imperative, positioning facilities not just as entertainment providers but as custodians of a wholesome, safe, and enjoyable experience for all patrons.

Arcades & Gaming Areas

Imagine you’ve just used your credits, tokens, or money to play a game. You reach for the game controller, and it’s sticky… a nightmare for most of us, especially following the pandemic. The same goes for a video screen splattered by sneezes from snotty patrons. A visibly messy or dirty gaming area isn’t good for return business. Prioritizing cleanliness addresses these surface-level concerns but can also significantly influence functionality and customer satisfaction.

To maintain optimal performance, the exterior of gaming cabinets should be cleaned with a mild general-purpose solution, steering clear of commercial glass cleaners unless explicitly recommended by the game’s manufacturer. Plexiglass, a common component in gaming cabinets, demands special attention to prevent scratches, so use a soft rag, such as a microfiber towel, for cleaning.

You should also regularly clean cabinet vents and fans, which is vital to eliminating dust buildup and ensuring uninterrupted gameplay experiences. Delving deeper into maintenance protocols, you should vacuum interior cabinets, inspect steering belts, and thoroughly test all Input/Output (I/O) functions during gameplay.

These comprehensive steps contribute to a hygienic gaming environment and the seamless functionality of gaming equipment, ultimately enhancing the overall satisfaction of patrons.

Eatertainment Centers (Restaurant + Entertainment)

Cleaning an eatertainment venue requires a specialized approach. You have all the major health and cleanliness considerations of a restaurant plus the high-touch dynamism of entertainment activities.

Dining areas in eatertainment centers require diligent attention to detail, regularly wiping down tables, chairs, and high-touch surfaces like menus and condiment dispensers. Disinfectant solutions should be employed to maintain a clean and safe environment for patrons. As mentioned above, specialized cleaning is needed for gaming consoles, VR equipment, and interactive devices in entertainment spaces.

Ensuring proper ventilation in these areas helps minimize the risk of airborne contaminants, contributing to a healthier environment for staff and customers. Regular HVAC system maintenance, air purifiers, and adherence to health and safety regulations can further enhance the overall cleanliness of an eatertainment venue.

Additionally, effective communication with both staff and patrons regarding cleanliness practices fosters a pleasant and hygienic atmosphere.

Indoor Play Zones

In an indoor play zone, disinfection is your best friend. Surface cleanliness is essential. However, indoor play areas transcend the conventional concept of tidiness. Selecting an appropriate cleaning solution is pivotal in eradicating germs without potentially impacting patrons.

Aside from safe and effective cleaners, thoroughness is paramount, particularly in tight spaces. Every nook and cranny must be meticulously cleaned and disinfected, leaving no room for potential germ hotspots. Developing and adhering to a cleaning schedule tailored to the specific needs of the play area can be crucial to consistently sanitizing this kind of environment and help make cleaning more streamlined. Identify germy areas that require heightened attention and regular sanitization and plan when and how you’ll clean them.

You may even want to phase out equipment that is challenging to clean to ensure a continual commitment to providing a safe and hygienic play environment. In essence, the focus shifts from routine cleaning to a holistic sanitization strategy, underscoring the dedication to the well-being of your patrons and the fun they’ve come to experience.

Family-Centered Driving Ranges

In entertainment centers offering simulated experiences, such as indoor golf ranges, the commitment to cleanliness should be visible and seamlessly integrated into the overall customer experience. Any lapses, be it sticky surfaces, dirty windows, or remnants of food, can potentially erode the quality of the overall experience.

The attention to cleanliness goes beyond what meets the eye; it’s about creating an atmosphere where patrons can enjoy simulated activities without disruptions caused by unclean surroundings. Imagine perfecting your backyard backswing with all your friends watching and noticing a half-eaten hot dog on the ground. That hot dog really ruins the vibe, right?

Here, the often overlooked but influential invisible impact of facility management can help you maintain a competitive advantage. The meticulous management of behind-the-scenes cleaning and maintenance ensures that a family entertainment center remains a place that families want to visit. By prioritizing cleanliness throughout the entire facility, from the parking lot on, family entertainment centers can make a lasting and positive impression that fosters repeat visits and sustained competitiveness in an increasingly dynamic industry.

Cleaning Movie Theaters & Dining Theaters

Movie and dining theaters demand meticulous cleaning strategies due to their high footfall and time constraints for regular disinfection. Engaging janitorial services becomes imperative here, helping you navigate the challenges of constant patron traffic. Beyond averting potential illnesses, thoroughly and consistently cleaning movie theaters and maintaining hygiene practices bolsters profit margins and ensures the long-term success of these establishments.

Opting for experienced custodial teams offers a comprehensive solution, delivering top-to-bottom cleaning with minimal costs. This approach addresses the nuanced cleaning requirements across various areas, such as passageways, flooring, washrooms, concession zones, chairs, and auditoriums.

A proactive effort to neutralize foul odors should also be integrated into the cleaning regimen, with in-depth cleaning and disinfection sessions to combat dampness, clogs, or blockages. Your custodial team should also prioritize the prevention of cross-contamination with a methodical cleaning approach that starts with the most contaminated areas.

This tailored and professional cleaning strategy ensures a pristine and sanitary environment and safeguards the reputation, profitability, and longevity of these entertainment venues in a highly competitive market.

Ensure the Cleanliness of Your Family Entertainment Center with OpenWorks

As family entertainment centers gain popularity, specialized and attentive cleaning services, such as those provided by OpenWorks, become paramount.

OpenWorks’ departure from the “one-size-fits-all” model aligns with the unique requirements of FECs, ensuring that the unique cleanliness needs of each space are not just met but exceeded. This approach is crucial as patrons increasingly prioritize cleanliness, seeking assurance that family entertainment centers prioritize their well-being.

As FECs grow as a significant outlet for family leisure, OpenWorks’ commitment to cleanliness and tailored solutions can support you as the industry grows, enhancing customer satisfaction and maintaining a competitive edge in a post-COVID-19 world.

Contact us today to learn how OpenWorks can help you ensure every inch of your family entertainment center is spotless.