The retro revival continues, quite literally as Continue Arcades puts some meat on the bone of their recent announcement to add 42 new sites on UK high streets. A dozen of those are already in preparation mode, with one new opening making its mark in Tenby under the guidance of one budding 21-year old entrepreneur on the Continue franchise trail.
Having announced an ambitious plan to open 42 new franchise sites across the UK earlier this month, Continue Arcades has confirmed over a third are already on course to open before the end of this year.
The retro gaming lounge operator reported that the response from franchisees “exceeded expectations” after partnering with Infinity Business Growth Network, with the enthusiastic uptake hailed as “testament to both the strength of the concept.”
“Continue Arcades is on course to have 12 sites open by the end of 2026,” reported Propel. “Founded by Austin Wood and offering retro classics and consoles, pinball machines and shooting, racing and table games, Continue Arcades currently has sites in Plymouth, Taunton, Swansea, Chichester and Tenby.”
“The company has just signed up two new multi-unit franchisees, with development agreements now in place to open 42 locations over the coming years.”
Speaking on the franchise agreement, Infinity Business Growth Network’s franchise consultant Joel Bissett said: “Continue Arcades represents exactly the kind of scalable, experience-driven concept that resonates strongly with today’s franchise investors.”
“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.”
Continue? Tenby opens under the operation of 21-year-old franchisee
Continue? retro gaming lounge has finally opened in Tenby, with the former cinema now offering visitors a selection of classic cabinets, pinballs and consoles, under the direction of 21-year-old franchisee Matthew Mileson.
As the brand’s Welsh representative, Mileson is also behind Continue? Swansea, which he opened last December just months after graduating with a degree in sports performance analysis from Cardiff Met University.
“I came across the concept of Continue? and thought it was so unique and different that it would be a fantastic business opportunity,” Mileson told the Western Telegraph. “When you think how much you can pay per game in arcades, it’s amazing value.”
Though the conversion of the Grade-II-listed building into an arcade was delayed by Tenby Town Council’s decision to defer approval in January, the site is now fully operational.
The venture has created eight jobs; a manager, assistant manager and six part-time staff, and offers customers more than 60 machines, the majority of which were developed decades before Mileson was born.
“The lounge can accommodate up to 100 people at any one time, with a family-orientated atmosphere in the day and weekend evenings taking on a party atmosphere with adult couples and groups enjoying the fun,” reported the Telegraph.
