Bright beginnings for Smilin' Sam's
Allied Kunick is pushing ahead with plans to open its third Smilin' Sam's restaurant and entertainment centre in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, at the end of July following the success of its first two centres.
The company, a joint venture between Allied Domecq Leisure and Kunick, opened Smilin' Sam's centres in Nottingham and Liverpool earlier this year.
A fourth will open in Tyne & Wear by the end of the year and 20 more are planned for the next five years.
Originally intended to appeal to the 18-30 age group by offering Sega and Nintendo computer games, virtual reality, pin-ball and mini-bowling, the centres have also attracted considerable interest from families. The Stevenage centre looks set to incorporate some family-friendly elements, such as a children's menu, to cater further for this market.
Allied Kunick has invested £2m in each Smilin' Sam's, which cover about 15,500sq ft. The centres include an 80-seat restaurant and 200-seat bar.
The menu offers global cuisine, including Cajun and Mexican dishes. Food is prepared fresh on the premises and main courses are priced at £5.50-£8. A menu of snacks served by circling waitresses starts at £2.50.
While the centre is designed to provide a full evening's entertainment with food and drink, a number of business customers have also been using Smilin' Sam's solely for dining.
Entry to the centre is free and games are paid for by tokens.