Gameworks restructuring plan means seven locations will close, some may reopen in the future

Via

It’s never a good day when we have to report about arcade locations closing – we always prefer times like last week where we reported on several new places opening around the US. But the reality of business is that venues open and close all the time and when times are tough, large chains generally aren’t exempt from the conditions either.

According to a press release issued today by Sega Gameworks, they are restructuring the company and as a result they will be closing locations in the following areas:

“Long Beach, CA; Columbus, OH; Detroit, MI; Minneapolis, MN; Indianapolis, IN; Tampa, FL; and Miami, FL. The company has introduced potential new tenants to mall ownership, in hopes that some locations may be reopened in the future.

I like to emphasize that last part to point out that there is hope for some of these locations, so hopefully something good comes of it. From what I have seen Gameworks locations generally have an excellent roster of games so as long as new ownership can maintain that, and perhaps improve upon any faults, the locations can become more profitable.  Their eight other locations will remain open, if you’d like to know what those are, check out the press release after the break.

UPDATE: Looks like they didn’t plan on how to handle pre-paid items such as game cards and parties in advance.

UPDATE #2: The location in Tampa, FL has already been picked up by a new owner, and they are taking the location into a more family-friendly direction (i.e. more redemption)

UPDATE#3: I am aware that Reuters posted an article today (Apr. 28th) where they made it sound like they entire operation is in liquidation. We are checking into this to find out if that is really the case or if it was just a poorly worded story that is actually talking about the news we initially posted about here.

SEGA Press release
March 29, 2010 p.m.
MONDAY

“One of the true tests of leadership is the ability to recognize a
problem
before it becomes an emergency.”
(Arnold Glasow)

GameWorks restructures: GameWorks, which is owned and operated by Sega
Entertainment USA Inc. (SEUI), today announced the restructuring of its
organization as it refocuses its mission on profitability and future
growth. “This challenging economic environment has forced us to make
these tough financial decisions,” said Cory Haynes, President and Chief
Operating Officer of Sega Entertainment USA Inc. He added, “The changes
were necessary for us to move into the future as a robust, exciting, and
viable entertainment company.”

The restructuring will result in the closing of seven GameWorks
locations: Long Beach, CA; Columbus, OH; Detroit, MI; Minneapolis, MN;
Indianapolis, IN; Tampa, FL; and Miami, FL. The company has introduced
potential new tenants to mall ownership, in hopes that some locations
may be reopened in the future. Eight other GameWorks locations, plus
World Sports Grille in Tucson, AZ, will remain open and become the focus
of renewed effort going forward. Those locations are Seattle, WA;
Ontario, CA; Las Vegas, NV; Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Tempe, AZ; Schaumburg,
IL; Cincinnati, OH; and Dallas, TX.

Haynes also said, “We are committed to meeting the changing needs of our
consumers, and to delighting them with a GameWorks experience that is
fresh and exciting. We have complete confidence that our leadership team
and valued employees will continue to deliver an outstanding experience
to our guests
with each visit. Their efforts will lead our financial success.” For
more information, visit (www.gameworks.com). Direct questions may be
e-mailed to (questions@gameworks.com); or contact Jamie Slotten,
(770)998-6799, e-mail (jslotten@randinc.cc).