Pinstack and Fort Frenzy

From Metro Marvels to Midwest Gems

by Barry Zelickson

In the ever-evolving landscape of family entertainment centers, Nate and our team at Fun Across America visited two destinations that stand out for their unique approaches: Pinstack in Plano, Texas, and Fort Frenzy in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Both facilities promise fun and excitement but deliver markedly different experiences tailored to their respective audiences.

Pinstack – Plano, TX

Nestled in the bustling suburban sprawl of Plano, Pinstack embodies the epitome of upscale entertainment. From the moment you walk through its doors, the modern, sleek design creates an ambiance of sophistication. The attractions are curated to appeal to a broad demographic, from families with young children to corporate groups and adults looking for a night out.

Nate met with Brian Cohen, Pinstack’s VP of Operations, who explained, “Pinstack is a lot of things, but first and foremost, we are here to create great memories and experiences for our guests.” Describing what Pinstack is all about, he said, “It is a large amusement center with a cool 40-ft. LED-lit rock wall, ropes course, bumper cars, laser tag and 28 lanes of bowling – 20 regular and eight VIP – along with great food and beverages.”

During our visit, I can attest that we not only had a lot of fun but also found their food amazing. See for yourself by visiting Fun Across America on YouTube, watching Nate drink some amazing milkshakes, and comparing his torso to the size of a slice of their huge (and tasty) Kingpin pizza!

Pinstack was born from a vision to redefine the traditional bowling alleys by combining them with high-end dining and innovative attractions. The founders recognized a gap in the market for a facility that catered to both casual fun-seekers and discerning adults. With this in mind, in 2015, Pinstack launched as a flagship venue at this location in Plano and quickly become a blueprint for their upscale entertainment centers, which now have grown to six locations.

Pinstack’s polished atmosphere makes it a favorite for date nights, birthday parties and corporate events. The emphasis on quality and experience positions it as a premium destination, commanding slightly higher price points but delivering a commensurate level of service and amenities. Brian Cohen said, “We are always looking to bring things up to the next level to ensure that Pinstack is a uniquely different place from others around us.”

Fort Frenzy – Fort Dodge, IA

Fort Frenzy serves as a community cornerstone for fun. Unlike the metropolitan flair of Pinstack, Fort Frenzy embraces its small-town roots with a warm, family-friendly vibe and a focus on inclusivity and accessibility.

To visit this location, our Fun Across America crew jumped in our car from our Minnesota home base and drove through the cornfields of the southern part of our state and on into northern Iowa to the town of Fort Dodge. Nate was greeted by Jordon McCubbins, Fort Frenzy’s general manager, who shared the amazing story on how Fort Frenzy came to be. There was no bank financing here … the founders, longtime residents of Fort Dodge, won over $200 million dollars playing Powerball! With that win, McCubbins explained, “They recognized the need (just like anybody else here), that there’s nothing to do here in Fort Dodge so that’s where the idea got started. We were built to be a place for the community to come together.”

In 2013, with that inspiration to give back to the community, Fort Frenzy became an indoor/outdoor family entertainment center. Fort Frenzy’s attractions include bumper cars, laser tag, go karts, 18-holes of mini-golf, arcade games and a 6,000-sq.-ft. event center, along with a Godfather’s Pizza restaurant. Having a brand name food operation is another great way to bring good food into your facility (and it doesn’t hurt that it’s already well recognized in your market too).

Check out this episode on our Fun Across America YouTube channel to see Nate enjoy his Godfathers’ pizza and their famous birthday cake streusel – and yes, it’s served with lots of rainbow candy sprinkles!
What sets Fort Frenzy apart from other FECs is the number of community events that they host. According to McCummins, they host “20 to 30 weddings per year, mixed martial arts events, pro wrestling, concerts and seasonal festivals along with themed nights.” These are a wonderful revenue boost and, of course, a dream come true for any FEC owner.

Fort Frenzy’s charm lies in its welcoming environment. The staff’s genuine hospitality and the venue’s approachable design make it a favorite for school outings, family reunions and casual weekend fun. The focus is less on luxury and more on creating lasting memories for guests of all ages.

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While Pinstack and Fort Frenzy both aim to entertain, their offerings reflect distinct philosophies. Pinstack caters to a cosmopolitan crowd seeking a curated, upscale experience, while Fort Frenzy appeals to a close-knit community looking for affordable, all-inclusive, casual fun. The choice between the two ultimately depends on what you’re looking for: the buzz of urban sophistication or the charm of small-town hospitality.

As we look back on our visits to these locations, here are some good takeaways:

Know Your Audience: Pinstack’s premium offerings thrive in an urban setting, while Fort Frenzy’s community-first approach resonates in its small-town market.

Diversify Attractions: Both destinations provide a mix of activities that appeal to various age groups, ensuring a broad audience.

Focus on Experience: Whether it’s Pinstack’s gourmet dining or Fort Frenzy’s personalized service with a branded food concept, memorable experiences drive repeat visits.

As the FEC industry continues to grow, Pinstack and Fort Frenzy are inspiring examples of how venues can succeed by embracing their unique identities and delivering exceptional entertainment to their communities.

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Fun Across America would like to thank our current partners: American Specialty Insurance, Foundations Entertainment University, Rides – 4U, Semnox, Trainertainment, Birthday University and Roller. Please go to funacrossamerica.com and click on their links to see all the great services they provide for the entertainment industry. While you are there, please check out our facility visits and don’t forget to double-check to see if your entertainment facility is listed in our guide. Take control of your entertainment center’s information listed on our helpful website. If not listed, please add your center. See you next month!

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Barry Zelickson, is the co-creator of Fun Across America, a YouTube channel travelogue show. Zelickson has worked in the entertainment field for almost 30 years and has been awarded several IAAPA Brass Ring awards including one of the association’s highest honors, Family Entertainment Center of the World. His other projects include commercials, infomercials, feature films, documentaries, live events and entertainment centers.

 

Nate Reinhart, host and co-creator of Fun Across America, is a content creator for NalterDeeds and NalterCards on YouTube and content consultant for creators and businesses alike. After a shoutout from MrBeast, Nate has accumulated over 250,000 subscribers on his YouTube channels.