The Opening Week
The historic birth of Winston-Salem's premier entertainment destination
🎉 The Vision Becomes Reality
After 18 months of planning, construction, and anticipation, Happy Hangout WS officially opened its doors to the public on September 12, 2022. What started as a dream to create the ultimate entertainment destination in Winston-Salem finally became a spectacular reality.
The opening week marked a new chapter for entertainment in the Triad area. Our 50,000 square foot facility, featuring 12 premium bowling lanes, a 2,500 sq ft laser tag arena, over 50 arcade games, and a full-service gourmet restaurant, was finally ready to welcome guests.
🏆 Grand Opening Gala (September 12)
The week kicked off with an exclusive VIP Grand Opening Gala attended by Winston-Salem's business leaders, local celebrities, media representatives, and community influencers. Guests were treated to a first look at the facility, complimentary gourmet dining, signature cocktails, and live entertainment.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony featured Mayor Allen Joines, who officially declared September 12 as "Happy Hangout WS Day" in Winston-Salem. The evening concluded with a spectacular fireworks display visible throughout downtown.
🎊 Community Day (September 13)
We opened our doors to the entire Winston-Salem community with a special Community Day featuring discounted rates, free game tokens for kids, and a food drive benefiting Second Harvest Food Bank. Over 1,500 local residents joined us for this celebration.
Local schools received special invitations, and we hosted over 300 students from Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools for a behind-the-scenes tour. The day ended with a town hall meeting where we gathered feedback from the community on how we can best serve Winston-Salem.
"This is exactly what Winston-Salem needed. A world-class entertainment destination that families, young professionals, and visitors can all enjoy. Happy Hangout WS has raised the bar for our city."
- Mayor Allen Joines, Grand Opening Ceremony
🏃♀️ First Responders Night (September 14)
To honor our local heroes, we hosted First Responders Night with free admission for all police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and their families. Over 200 first responders and their loved ones enjoyed complimentary bowling, laser tag, and a special dinner buffet.
"It's wonderful to see a business that truly values the sacrifices our first responders make every day," said Chief William Penn of the Winston-Salem Fire Department. "This gesture means more than you know."
🎮 Gaming Tournament Launch (September 15-16)
The first-ever Happy Hangout WS Gaming Tournament kicked off over two days, featuring competitions in bowling, laser tag, and arcade high scores. Winners took home trophies, cash prizes, and season passes.
🍽️ Culinary Showcase (September 17)
Our culinary team presented the first Culinary Showcase, featuring signature dishes from our menu. Guests sampled our famous truffle fries, artisanal pizzas, premium burgers, and craft cocktails. Executive Chef Maria Santos personally greeted guests and shared the inspiration behind each dish.
The event sold out within 48 hours, with over 300 food enthusiasts experiencing the best of what our kitchen has to offer. Our cocktail program, led by award-winning mixologist David Chen, received particular praise.
🎈 Family Funday (September 18)
The opening week concluded with Family Funday - a day dedicated entirely to families. Children under 12 bowled for free, face painting was available all day, and we hosted a balloon artist, magician, and character appearances.
Over 800 families joined us for the celebration, making it the highest-attended single day of the opening week. The day ended with a group photo of everyone forming a giant "HAPPY" in the main atrium.
📊 Opening Week by the Numbers
📈 **5,247** total visitors • 🎳 **3,892** games of bowling played • 🔫 **1,456** laser tag sessions • 🎮 **47,892** arcade game plays • 🍔 **2,345** burgers served • 🍕 **1,876** pizzas baked • 🍸 **3,421** cocktails poured • 💰 **$0** complaints - 100% satisfaction rating
"Walking through the doors on opening day was a dream come true. Seeing the smiles on our first guests' faces reminded us why we built this place. This is just the beginning."
- Marcus Williams, Founder & CEO, Happy Hangout WS
📰 Media Coverage
The opening of Happy Hangout WS generated significant media attention across North Carolina:
• Winston-Salem Journal - Front page feature ("New Era of Entertainment Arrives") • FOX8 News - Live broadcast from opening night • WFDD Radio - Interview with founder Marcus Williams • Triad Business Journal - "50,000 Sq Ft Entertainment Megaplex Opens" • Visit Winston-Salem - Featured destination spotlight
🎁 What We Learned & What's Next
The opening week was a massive success, but more importantly, it taught us valuable lessons about what our community wants. Based on guest feedback, we've since added more family-friendly hours, expanded our menu, and created new event packages.
Looking ahead: We're already planning our 1-Year Anniversary Celebration (September 2023), expanding our laser tag arena, and adding 10 new arcade cabinets based on popular demand.
Thank you, Winston-Salem, for welcoming us with open arms. The best is yet to come!