Just weeks ago, Minnetonka was lacking a fun place to go with friends on the weekend. Despite amusing places in nearby towns, there was no one-stop-shop for entertainment. All that changed when Big Thrill Factory opened its doors on March 1st, filling in a business space that had been left vacant for years. Located at 17585 Highway 7 in Minnetonka, Big Thrill Factory has a central location that is convenient for many. Big Thrill Factory features many attractions, including bowling, laser tag, an elevated ropes course, and bumper cars. Big Thrill Factory also has an arcade where you can earn tickets for prizes. Outdoor attractions such as climbing walls, mini golf, and trampolines will be opening in the early summer. I spoke with Travis Brown, a manager of Big Thrill Factory, to get some questions answered.
Q: What attraction is most popular?
A: People seem to love the Blacklight Elevated Ropes Course. It is also the most time consuming, as people want to stay up there a lot longer than we should have people up there for!
Q: What day or time is usually the busiest?
A: The busiest days are the stereotypical weekend days. Friday and Saturday nights, as well as Sunday afternoons are definitely the busiest.
Q: Do you have any upcoming specials or promotions?
A: We are in the process of working on those things, since we’ve only been open for a month. We have a few out there right now. We haven’t got our Happy Hour specials, coupons, or promotions out yet. Specials are coming very soon. Within the next month we’ll have definite days of special deals, especially for bowling and food.
Q: With what method will special deals be received?
A: There will be multiple different ways you can acquire coupons. For instance, winning a contest we have. Also, we’ll be printing out some $5 game cards. There will also be coupons on our website and on our Facebook page.
Q: Why did the owners want to build a recreation center and why did they choose Minnetonka as the location for it?
A: The owners saw the Minnetonka area was a good demographic for a family entertainment place. Also, the old K-mart location provided a good location with the proper space needed. There are few family entertainment places in this area, so the area was definitely good for the need of something like Big Thrill Factory.
Big Thrill Factory has plenty of eating options! Big Thrill Factory has a restaurant with professional chefs and specializes in pizza. The restaurant also serves salads, and pastas. In addition, it has a build-your-own mac and cheese bar.
Q: What would you say is the food item that people should definitely try?
A: Our specialty is our pizza. We also have a mega pizza that serves up to 20-25 people! It is almost an attraction in itself! It is better than your average bar food.
Q: The outdoor space has not yet been opened. Do you know what day the outdoor area will open?
A: We are hoping to open the outdoor space in the middle to end of June. It will include eighteen hole mini golf, a spider climb with a giant slide, and trampolines. There’s going to be a lot going on in one place. We’re trying to be like a one-stop shop, similar to a Walmart for family entertainment.
Big Thrill Factory mostly operates their pricing under a points per ride system. Each attraction is worth a certain amount of points. For instance, one round of laser tag costs twenty eight points. Big Thrill Factory also has packages.
Q: Which package is most popular?
A: Our most popular package is our Funtastic Fun Pack which includes two hours of unlimited bumper cars, ropes course, and laser tag. Also, it includes a ten point game card and much more!
Q: Is everything going as you expected it would?
A: We opened quickly and didn’t have much staff training. But our staff has risen to the occasion and is able to handle the crowd as it has gotten busier and busier.
Q: Do you have many employees who go to Minnetonka High School?
A: Yes, over half of our employees. And for many, it is their first job. This makes our job as manager a little harder, but we’re proud of them. You have to be sixteen to work here.
Big Thrill Factory is a really fun place to go with friends or family. As their website says, “There is something for everyone at Big Thrill Factory”
