DALLAS, Texas — Embed, the ultimate cloud-based, cashless solutions provider for the amusement, entertainment, and leisure industries showcased its reliability and innovation through its solutions at the International Bowl Expo in Denver, Colorado from July 1-2.

Known for its tech partnership with Apple, Google, and Amazon Web Services, the solutions provider exhibited its system’s reliability at the show – from its solutions to its customer support and even to its payment processing gateway solutions:

“We are always on the lookout at what stunts our customers’ potential for transformational growth and expansion – and one of them is losses from credit card processing fees or merchant fees from their payment providers,” says Jeremy Dickamore, Payment Gateway Guru at Embed. “That’s why we offer free consultations by experts to help operators cut their losses and see the savings they can get from simply switching to another provider.”

Embed is raising awareness of the costs (which is loss of revenue) from paying published rates instead of effective rates (inclusive of different, fluctuating fees). CMO and Growth Officer Sara Paz explains, “We are challenging our partners and operators to stop and think twice about their payment provider. This means it’s business as usual even when the internet is down thanks to manual transaction processing; it’s security from fraudulent transactions and chargebacks with 3D Secure 2.2; it’s pricing transparency for effective budgeting; it’s saving money from better rates so you can keep as much of the revenue you’ve earned.”

“This is the Embed difference,” says Renee Welsh, CEO. “After decades of being a family-owned company with deep roots in the family entertainment business, we know how to layer value and remove areas that hamper our customers’ growth, like unnecessary costs from payment processing. It’s not enough to offer an FEC the best cashless business solution and then watch them get straddled with a payment processor that absorbs their revenue with hidden merchant fees, so we’re doing something about it and changing lives! It’s how Embed layers value for our customers, enabling them to maximise their system to transform their businesses. It’s the mission of Embed’s Success Squad, that’s why it’s complimentary! That’s just how it is when you’re a member of the Embed family. We live service and reliability.”

Embed showcased its Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions like the Mobile Wallet virtual game card – which promises a 5x increase in average reload value compared to cash and credit cards. To amplify this transformational growth, Embed brought its Success Squad’s training arm GoTrain to the show, sharing the benefits of staff training (virtual or onsite) to drive greater Mobile Wallet registrations and sign-ups.

“We also featured our all-new 40 Made-to-Order Designer Game Cards to help boost guest spend and loyalty,” says Megan Lim, Transformation Growth Director. These dynamic card designs are now available in the Embed eSHOP to ensure availability and ease of procurement.

NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas — Buckle up! Route 7 Karting and Entertainment has teamed up with TrainerTainment to turbocharge their sales team. After an electrifying two-day kickoff, the Route 7 crew is geared up and ready to put the pedal to the metal.

Kickoff Highlights:
Amazing Experience: The Route 7 team raves about the two-day onsite kickoff, calling it “amazing.” TrainerTainment’s Denise Killian brought the PCQPC (Prospect, Connect, Qualify, Propose, Close) sales process to life with a mix of fun, sincerity, and practical wisdom. Denise Killian commented, “It was awesome bringing the team together to collaborate creatively and operationally, with ideas to implement in their operation and increase sales.”

What’s Next?
Route 7 is ready to rev up their engines and see real results! With TrainerTainment’s ongoing coaching, the team is eager to shift into high gear, putting new strategies into action and watching their sales soar.

Why TrainerTainment?

• Quality & Accountability: Route 7 loves the high-quality training and the weekly check-ins that keep the sales team on track
• Grow Academy Access: Continuous learning and training to keep the team sharp.
• Fun & Effective: Engaging, practical, and downright fun coaching that makes a real difference.

Lori Saltsman, the owner of Route 7, shared her excitement: “TrainerTainment’s coaching has been a game-changer for us. The tools and strategies are not only practical but also incredibly fun to implement. We’re already seeing a positive impact!”

A Winning Partnership
Route 7 wholeheartedly recommends TrainerTainment’s coaching. If you’re in the Family Entertainment business and looking to boost your sales, TrainerTainment is your pit crew

NEW YORK — TouchTunes Music Company, LLC (“TouchTunes”), North America’s largest in-venue interactive music and entertainment platform, today announces an exclusive partnership with Lucra, the leading technology provider of gamification services.

Coming to millions of bar patrons across the country following the launch of FunWallet later this year, the exciting new mobile integration makes it fun, safe, and convenient for people playing darts or other bar games to challenge each other to win cash or credits, up-leveling their in-venue experience.

“We know many of our members already love to make a friendly wager for cash or drinks when they play bar sports like darts or pool. Partnering with an innovative technology company like Lucra allows us to elevate the in-venue experience with more fun and easy ways for people to connect and compete,” said Ross Honey, CEO of TouchTunes. “Engaged patrons play more and stay longer at their favorite bar or restaurant. So, by adding this new capability to FunWallet seamlessly within our massively popular mobile app, we are not only bringing joy to consumers but also driving growth and value for our operator customers and venue partners.”

Bar patrons will soon be able to take darts to the next level by challenging friends (or strangers!) to compete for real money or credits, whether they’re together in the same bar, or even miles away via remote-play on connected BullShooter dartboards. Lucra’s software, embedded within the TouchTunes FunWallet, will allow users to easily keep track of scores, win rates, earnings, and lifetime leaderboard stats, so they can always know who has ultimate bragging rights across all their favorite games.

“We’re thrilled to add Lucra’s gamification technology to the TouchTunes app, as we have a common belief in harnessing friendly competition and music to enable shared experiences that connect, energize, and inspire communities,” said Dylan Robbins, CEO of Lucra. “This partnership will allow millions more people to create memorable moments together by providing exciting new ways to compete with friends on the games we all love.”

Enabling peer-to-peer contests in the TouchTunes mobile app makes the whole experience safe and convenient. Lucra’s technology will be available in select markets, and provides responsible gaming capabilities that allow consumers to set limits and self-exclude. Users must be aged 18 or over to compete for cash or credits. The new social gaming feature will be coming to the TouchTunes mobile app so dart players can compete for real money or credits in the app while playing against each other on a BullShooter dartboard. Electronic darts contests in bars will be eligible in states across America following the launch of FunWallet in Q4 2024.

Dragons are coming to Fair Park.

WHAT: Dallas’s newest family fun attraction opens on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. Sea Dragon Safari — a fleet of six dragon-shaped pedal boats — will set sail on the Fair Park Lagoon beginning on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. The classic pedal boats, which come in two-person and four-person sizes, will be available for rent daily at the Fair Park Lagoon near the Children’s Aquarium. The boats have been painted in bold and whimsical colors and designs by local artists.

Sea Dragon Safari is operated by the Children’s Aquarium Dallas.

WHEN: Opening day — Wednesday, July 3, 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Last rental at 4:30 p.m. Extended hours on July 4 during Fair Park Fourth.

WHERE: The Fair Park Lagoon across from the Children’s Aquarium Dallas. Parking is free in front of the Aquarium. Enter Fair Park via Gate Six.

MORE: The four-person dragon-shaped boats are 10 feet long and five feet wide. The two-person boats are eight feet long and five feet wide. The boats rent for $30 for a 20-minute ride

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — Celebrate the July 4th holiday at the Big Top Arcade Pigeon Forge, Arcade City Pigeon Forge and Arcade City Gatlinburg.

Mention our July 4th Special Offer and receive an extra $100 Play Credit with a $100 card purchase. Offer is only valid on July 4, 2024.

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — Celebrate the July 4th holiday at Rockin’ Raceway.  Mention our July 4th Special Offer and receive an extra $100 Play Credit with a $100 card purchase. Offer is only valid on July 4, 2024.

Rockin’ Raceway features a speedy go-kart racetrack with hairpin turns & a retro-themed, neon-lit arcade with 150 games and is located at 2839 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863.

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. — Celebrate the July 4th holiday at Guy Fieri’s Downtown Flavortown.  Mention our July 4th Special Offer and receive an extra $100 Play Credit with a $100 card purchase. Offer is only valid on July 4, 2024.

Guy Fieri’s Downtown Flavortown is an impressive 43,000-square-foot family entertainment center that is a “must-do” for Pigeon Forge visitors and locals alike. Guests enjoy Guy Fieri’s award-winning dishes, craft beers, and cocktails plus a 14-lane Duck Pin bowling alley; over 10,000 square feet of state-of-the-art arcade games ranging from redemption to virtual reality and beyond; a full-service Freaky Tiki bar; and a photo opportunity in front of an iconic 1968 Chevy Camaro. 

For more information on Guy Fieri’s Downtown Flavortown visit www.DowntownFlavortown.com. Downtown Flavortown is located at 2655 Teaster Lane Suite 100 at the Mountain Mile Shopping Complex in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Betson Enterprises, the industry’s leading distributor of location-based amusement products, announces the installation of 60 cutting-edge games at two new Rush Funplex locations in Pleasant View, UT and Shawnee, KS. These installations mark Betson’s continued partnership with The Rush Funplex, following successful collaborations at four other locations across Utah and Missouri.

Under the guidance of Betson Northwest Regional Sales Director Steve Lamoreaux, each game room was designed to offer a unique array of entertainment options. The Pleasant View location features attractions such as Fast & Furious Arcade Motion (Raw Thrills), Dinosaur Era (Coastal Amusements), 6-player Prize Cube (Coast to Coast Entertainment), Photo Studio Deluxe (Apple Industries), and more. Meanwhile, the Shawnee location boasts Dodgeball Ultimate Arena (ICE Games), Combo Boxer (Kalkomat), Big Shot (JET Games), Showtime 4-player (Coastal Amusements), Fantastic Prize (UNIS), and more, ensuring a dynamic experience for visitors of all ages.

Owner Kenny Gertge expressed his satisfaction with the longstanding partnership: “We have been using Betson for over 10 years at our facilities. They have been great to work with from starting new locations to upgrading arcade machines.” The Pleasant View location celebrated its grand opening in November 2023, followed by the Shawnee location in March 2024.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: FUN), the largest and most diverse amusement park operator in North America, today announced the successful completion of the merger of equals (the “Merger”) between Cedar Fair, L.P. (“Cedar Fair”) and former Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (“Former Six Flags”), effective July 1, 2024 (the “Closing Date”). The combined company is operating under the name “Six Flags Entertainment Corporation.”

Cedar Fair’s units and shares of Former Six Flags’ common stock ceased trading at the close of the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) on July 1, 2024. Six Flags (SIX) ended today at $32.00 and Cedar Fair (FUN) ended the day at $52.11. Beginning tomorrow, July 2, 2024, shares of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation’s common stock will start trading on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “FUN.”

Under the terms of the merger agreement, Cedar Fair unitholders received one share of common stock in Six Flags Entertainment Corporation for each unit owned, and Former Six Flags shareholders received 0.5800 shares of common stock in Six Flags Entertainment Corporation for each share owned.

“Today marks a significant milestone for our company, shareholders, guests and associates, unlocking higher value and greater opportunities to deliver engaging entertainment experiences,” said Richard Zimmerman, president and chief executive officer of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation. “Our merger establishes a new Six Flags Entertainment Corporation with a highly diversified footprint and robust operating model, enhancing park offerings and performance though the complementary portfolio of attractive assets and intellectual property from each of Cedar Fair and the former Six Flags. The combination also enhances the financial profile of the company with strong cash flow generation to accelerate investments in our parks to delight our guests, driving increased levels of demand and in-park value and spending.”

“We believe that by combining the best ideas and most successful entertainment practices of both Six Flags and Cedar Fair, the new Six Flags can deliver a superior level of joy and excitement that has yet to be experienced by regional park guests,” added Selim Bassoul, executive chairman of the board of directors of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation. “We are excited to unite the Cedar Fair and Six Flags teams to capitalize on the tremendous growth opportunities and operational efficiencies of our more extensive entertainment portfolio.”

Each park in the combined company’s portfolio will retain their legacy branding with no changes to park names currently being planned or contemplated.

Adrienne Talley Rhodes Green — whose family founded Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and continues to operate it today — passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, June 27, 2024. Her contributions to the amusement park industry and her local community were immeasurable, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations.

Born on February 14, 1964 to Buddy and Adrienne Rhodes, her birth date destined her to a life of heart-themed gifts on nearly every holiday, something she was far too gracious to ever complain about.

Talley graduated from The Bright School (Class of 1976), Girls Preparatory School (Class of 1982) and Hollins University (Class of 1986). She would go on to earn a Master’s in Education degree from the Bank Street College of Education in New York City.

After pursuing a career in education at the Hunter Museum of Art and the Creative Discovery Museum, Talley joined Lake Winnepesaukah, her family’s business, as Manager of Public Relations and Advertising, a role she would go on to serve in for 25 years.

Talley was known to all with whom she interacted for her subtle wit, ready smile and gentle disposition, save for on her annual, beloved dove hunts with her late father where she was a mean shot.

Tennyson Dickson of Lake Winnepesaukah released the following statement to Local 3 TV following Green’s death: “Our family has a long relationship with the community we love, providing a family-friendly experience at Lake Winnepesaukah. Talley and I grew up in the business, and we loved seeing the smiling faces of those who enjoyed a day at Lake Winnie. Talley will always be part of us, and my hope is that everyone will remember and appreciate her commitment to a place where you are able to get happy.”

Renowned for her dedication to maintaining and improving Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park, affectionately known as “Lake Winnie,” she helped ensure the park’s enduring appeal. Located in Rossville, Georgia, Lake Winnie has been a cherished destination for families and thrill-seekers since its opening in 1925. With Talley as part of the leadership team, the park flourished, expanding its attractions and remaining a beloved spot for locals and tourists alike.

Talley Green’s commitment to Lake Winnie went beyond just business; she was deeply invested in the happiness and safety of her guests. Her hands-on approach and personal touch were evident in the park’s operations. Often seen interacting with visitors, she ensured their experience was enjoyable and memorable. Her warmth and kindness made her a beloved figure among both employees and guests.

A lover of country music, Talley helped continue Lake Winnepesaukah’s rich tradition of summer concerts, booking many of the most famous acts to ever play Jukebox Junction, including Rascal Flatts, Blake Shelton, and Josh Turner.

She is survived by her husband, Jeff Green; stepdaughter, Courtney Green; mother and namesake, Adrienne Rhodes; sister, Tennyson Dickinson (Tommy); nieces, Taylor Cordeiro (Andrew) and Carter Dickinson; nephew Myers Dickinson; sister-in-law, Janet Green (David); and brother-in-law Jason (Ashley); as well as numerous cousins. She was preceded in death by her father, L.C. (Buddy) Rhodes, Jr.; maternal grandmother, Evelyn D. White; and paternal grandparents, Clyde and Ruth Rhodes.

Services will be at First Centenary United Methodist Church at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3, with a visitation the hour prior. A private interment for family members will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Chambliss Center for Children or Ronald McDonald Children’s Charities, two organizations that Talley championed in her role at Lake Winnepesaukah.