Jill Abrahamsen | Franchise Wire (January 15, 2025) – When Monster Mini Golf’s CEO Chris King says he and his partners are fully committed to the unique indoor entertainment franchise, he means it. Not only do he and the other partners serve in executive development and operations roles, but they are all multi-unit operators of franchise locations. King owns three locations in Charlotte, N.C. with his wife. Their hands-on experience has given them a deep understanding of the brand from every angle. “We operate with franchisees in mind first, because we’re franchisees ourselves,” King explains. This mindset drives their mission to support franchisees and fully embrace the brand’s quirky, glow-in-the-dark charm.
King’s journey with Monster Mini Golf began in 2015 when Christina and Patrick Vitagliano, the franchise’s husband-and-wife founders, hired him to assist in refining operations and preparing the brand for growth. King was seasoned in franchise operations, including several years with the My Gym franchise. He was excited about the new challenge. “Monster Mini Golf was doing well but the founders needed some assistance in polishing processes,” King recalls. “They were looking for someone with franchise experience to assist with wrapping systems around their concept.” Over the next decade, King worked tirelessly with the Vitaglianos to enhance the brand.
When the founders decided to retire in 2022, they faced a critical decision: sell to private equity or pass the torch to their trusted team. Ultimately, they chose King and three Franchise Advisory Council members — Nick Mastrandrea, Holly Hernandez, and Alex Gonzalez — to carry on their legacy. “They didn’t want to sell to a group that would prioritize profits over franchisees,” King explains. By January 2023, King and his partners took ownership. “It’s a magical little story,” King reflects. “We’re all equal partners, and we walk the same path as franchisees every day. I am very proud that I worked hard for the brand and was given this opportunity, and I am proud of myself and my partners for taking this leap and challenge head on,” King says.
Monster-Sized Growth
“Monster Mini Golf started as a crazy idea around a kitchen table,” says King. “Christina and Patrick were looking for something fun, low-cost and creative that could work in their small mill town of Danielson, Connecticut.” Back in 2004, the couple had limited resources but plenty of imagination. “They realized outdoor mini golf wouldn’t work due to the harsh weather, so they decided to bring it indoors. They transformed an old, run-down mill into something extraordinary using black lights, animatronics and vibrant murals,” King explains.
The concept was simple yet brilliant: provide guests with a glow-in-the-dark mini golf experience that was both affordable and entertaining. “The beauty of Monster Mini Golf is in its simplicity,” King adds. “You give someone a ball and a putter, and they’re instantly having fun.” From that humble beginning, the brand has grown into a nationwide franchise.
Monster Mini Golf has evolved into a full-scale family entertainment center, with locations ranging from 9,000 to 25,000 square feet. In addition to mini golf, these venues offer a variety of attractions like laser tag, bowling and virtual reality. “Our product is entertainment,” King emphasizes. “Mini golf is simply the vehicle we use to deliver it.”
Under the new ownership group’s leadership, Monster Mini Golf has seen impressive growth. “When we purchased the brand, we had 26 locations open with 5 in development. Two years later we have 31 open, 3 opening in January 2025 and another 17 in site search and/or development. 50 licenses awarded is a wonderful milestone for us and the brand,” he says. This growth aligns with the booming indoor amusement center market, which is projected to reach $7.9 billion in the U.S. by 2027, according to Grand View Research. But unlike other family entertainment centers, which often require over $2 million to launch, Monster Mini Golf locations typically cost around $1 million.
The centers are designed for efficiency, with clear sightlines allowing them to operate with fewer staff. “On a slow school day, we can run a 12,000-square-foot location with just two employees,” King explains. Even on the busiest days, only four to five staff members are needed, excluding party hosts. This streamlined labor model helps franchisees achieve a low labor cost of around 19%, which is nearly unheard of in the industry.
The Psychology of Fun
At Monster Mini Golf, the focus is on creating connections through entertainment. “We don’t just hand you a golf club and point to the course,” King says. “We provide a one-on-one connection, offering an elevated guest experience that stands out.” Each location features custom-designed murals inspired by its community, vibrant animatronics, and an immersive soundtrack that resonates with guests of all ages. King notes that the brand’s appeal goes beyond kids and birthday parties. “We’re not a children’s party place,” he emphasizes. “We cater to families, date nights, and young adults, offering something fun and memorable for everyone. Our goal is to provide attractions that keep guests engaged and coming back for more,” King explains. Monster Mini Golf locations offer a variety of fun and unique attractions designed to captivate guests of all ages:
- Glow-in-the-Dark Mini Golf: An 18-hole course featuring animatronic monsters, vibrant murals and themed soundtracks for a fully immersive experience.
- Laser Maze: A thrilling challenge where guests test their agility and reflexes by navigating through beams of light.
- Arcade Games: State-of-the-art games that cater to all ages, offering chances to win tickets and redeem prizes.
- Laser Tag: Action-packed arenas where families and friends can enjoy an adrenaline-pumping adventure.
- Mini Bowling: A fun twist on classic bowling, featuring lighter balls and shorter lanes for all ages to enjoy.
- Virtual Reality Games: Cutting-edge VR experiences that transport players to exciting digital worlds.
Monster Mini Golf Teams up with REP’M Group
In 2024, Monster Mini Golf teamed up with REP’M Group to supercharge its franchise development and construction processes. “We’ve always focused on training and support,” King says. “REP’M allows us to grow without diverting resources from those areas.” This collaboration ensures Monster Mini Golf can expand efficiently while maintaining its high standards of franchisee support..
Interestingly, every Monster Mini Golf franchisee started as a single-unit operator. Yet, many quickly expand to own multiple locations. “We’ve never sold a multi-unit deal outright, but 67% of our franchisees are multi-unit owners now,” King says. The brand’s strong support system and profitable model encourage franchisees to grow organically. King believes working with REP’M Group will lead to even more multi-unit deals, attracting sophisticated investors who recognize the brand’s potential.
Looking ahead, Monster Mini Golf plans to stay true to its core values of creativity, connection and fun. “After 20 years and 50 licenses awarded, we feel like we are the best thing in family entertainment that no one knows about yet… like we are just about to get going,” King says.
For more information about franchise opportunities with Monster Mini Golf, visit https://monsterminigolf.com/franchising/.
With more than 15 years of entrepreneurial experience in the retail and petroleum industries, Felix Marte signed his first Monster Mini Golf franchise agreement in 2012. His first Monster Mini Golf location opened in Miramar, Florida, in March 2013. After sustained success in Miramar, he opened a second location in Coral Springs, Florida, in July 2015. Both locations have been very successful and have become neighborhood staples and tourist attractions in the South Florida region.
“I’m honored to continue to expand Pat and Christina Vitagliano’s creation into the future. We have a strong team of owners that understand the brand and want to preserve the vision and concept the founders have established. Over the years, I have become deeply connected to this cool and unique concept. It’s so much fun and fulfilling to go to work every day,” says Felix.
Monster Mini Golf was founded in 2004 by Christina to provide a unique, FUN, affordable indoor family entertainment experience for humans of all ages. The concept was an instant success. In 2005, Christina franchised the brand, her husband Patrick joined the company, and Vitaglianos began to build one of the most unconventionally successful franchise brands. Together, they will continue to retain the two Vegas iconic locations, KISS and Twilight Zone Mini golf locations.
For updates on campaigns and other Monster Mini Golf news, visit MonsterMiniGolf.com and follow on Facebook @ MonsterMiniGolf.
About Monster Mini Golf®
Monster Mini Golf is the leader in cutting-edge indoor Glow in the Dark Family Entertainment Centers. Founded in 2004, the company boasts 30 (and counting) 18-hole miniature golf courses across the country and Canada. Each custom-designed 18-hole miniature golf course features an arcade game area, private event rooms, an in-house DJ, and entertainment for the whole family. For updates on campaigns and other Monster Mini Golf news, visit MonsterMiniGolf.com and follow on Facebook @ MonsterMiniGolf.
Article Originally Released by Franchise Wire January 15, 2025 on https://www.franchisewire.com/family-fun-glows-bright-with-monster-mini-golf-franchise/
