Just two years after Continue Arcades was founded in Plymouth, the retro gaming lounge brand is set for a massive nationwide expansion, with 42 development agreements now in place for franchisees across the country as “testament to the strength of the concept.”
Continue Arcades, the retro gaming lounge brand founded by businessman Austin Wood in Plymouth just two years ago, has announced agreements are now in place to open 42 franchise locations across the UK over the coming years.
With five sites currently in operation, Continue has established itself as a distinctive player in the experiential leisure sector, combining “nostalgia-driven retro gaming with a modern social environment,” to attract both customers and investors.
“The response to our franchise launch has exceeded expectations,” said a Continue spokesperson.
“Moving from one site to five trading locations in such a short period, and securing agreements for 42 units, is a testament to both the strength of the concept and the quality of partners we’re bringing into the network.”
Continue’s first Plymouth site opened in May 2024, after Wood invested £100,000 in transforming a former Dreams bedding store into a retro gaming venue, telling the Plymouth Herald “it’s designed to be a brand that can be replicated quite easily.”
The company then expanded into Taunton in early 2025, and established its franchise model before launching new sites in Swansea, Chichester and Tenby.
The rapid uptake reflects increasing demand for experience-led leisure concepts, and highlights the appeal of what Continue describes as its “unique offering.”
“By blending classic arcade gaming with a contemporary lounge setting, the brand taps into both nostalgia and the growing social entertainment market.”
The latest development plans have been supported by a partnership with Infinity Business Growth Network, which played a key role in structuring the franchise opportunity and accelerating nationwide rollout.
“Continue Arcades represents exactly the kind of scalable, experience-driven brand that resonates strongly with today’s franchise investors,” said a spokesperson.
“The speed of growth since launch demonstrates both market demand and the robustness of the franchise model.”
“With multiple sites already trading and a strong pipeline of new locations in development, Continue Arcades is positioned to become a leading name in the UK’s retro gaming and social entertainment space.”
The roll-out Continues
Continue Arcades said… “The response to our franchise launch has exceeded expectations. Moving from one site to five trading locations in such a short period, and securing agreements for 42 units, is a testament to both the strength of the concept and the quality of partners we’re bringing into the network…
