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Coliseum files for Chapter 11

ntertainment Complex has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.Yeah, the economy is wreaking havoc on area nightspots and this is yet another sign its going to get worse before it gets better.  It was reported this morning The Coliseum entertainment complex is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

As I observed in my first visit to this place, the people behind it spend a lot of money making this place what it is.  I knew they would have to bring in a lot of business to pay for all of it.

Two problems I observed from the beginning:

1) Image.  The Coliseum is a great place for adults and kids alike.  I have heard from many dads how they enjoy being able to take the kids on a early evening or Saturday afternoon, enjoy a beer or two, and watch the football game.  It’s definitely a relaxed family environment.

However, this family environment hurts them come late night.  Adults who want to enjoy drinks after 9pm must do so alongside young teenagers.  Add to the fact they have some silly rules about drinks in the gaming area.  (not to mention none of the games have cup holders like they do at similar places like Dave and Busters) Because of the mixed age crowd, adults have to wear a plastic bracelet to drink where there are underage persons.  Also, they don’t allow glass outside of the bar area.  People over 25 do not like to drink out of plastic cups!  One night, I was with a group of people and the staff made my friend pour her $10 martini into a plastic cup when she walked out onto the gaming floor!  This is one sure-fire way to turn away business from the people who have money to spend on entertainment.  Is this a kid friendly place or an adult playground?

2) Food.  It all comes back to the food.  From the beginning, The Coliseum tried to be “upscale” with their menu offerings.  They boasted “World-class food” and fine wine while dining at their main restaurant.  Guess what?  The food never surpassed that of local chain restaurants.  “Upscale” doesn’t mix with a casual dining atmosphere, sports bars, and video games.  “Upscale” only means you want to charge more for less.  The Coliseum won’t get people to stay all night if their food and menu does not improve.  People need value right now for a meal out.

I really do hope this place survives because it truly is a one of a kind place on the West Shore.  There was always no doubt this was a very ambitious project from the start and they need to sell a lot game cards and $2 drafts to pay for all the overhead and staff that comes with it.  I hope this Chapter 11 process forces The Coliseum to look outside the economic issues and makes them look deep inside at some of the problems they face internally.  Let’s hope the changes don’t come too late.

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Posted by Bone on Wednesday, August 27th, 2008 at 1:03 pm.

6 Responses to “Coliseum files for Chapter 11”

I just chatted with someone from the Coliseum and they told me that they would remain open, despite the bankruptcy. Apparently they will just be restructuring the company. Things have certainly changed since I spoke with them last year, as they had plans to open additional coliseums in other locations and keep the camp hill branch as their corporate office and training center.

Personally I like the place, the $2 drafts were a big improvement and it’s nice that they have a lot of beers on draft. It is however expensive to bowl and play games and the food was just okay. I hope they take you up on your suggestions and get the company back on its feet.

Left by Brian Reilly on August 27th, 2008

Correct. They are not closing, just restructuring their debt.

Most of their margins have to come from alcohol sales right? Why would they discourage adults from drinking at night?

Left by Bone on August 27th, 2008

You nailed that one right(with your 2 reasons) as to the problems. They must have had limited capital, I mean they only lasted a year!! You should have 2 to 3 years of capital to make it in the restaurant business. Fix the food!!

Left by Greg on August 29th, 2008

I could have predicted this from the start. Not because the Coliseum was a bad idea, but because it was too much of everything and not enough of anything. They tried to be all things to all people. Like any well run, successful business - do a few things well. A bar and kids don’t usually make a good mix. Adult that want to have a drink, don’t want to be surrounded by screaming kids. I’m a parent. Although I love my child and love for her to run around having a good time and know that noise is part of that, when I want to go have a drink with friends, I don’t want to do it with my child or anyone’s child.

In addition, there weren’t lots of things for kids under probably the age of seven to do. We took our young daughter for ice cream and looked around. She can’t bowl. She can’t play video games. She could ride the carousel and eat ice cream. As a kids play, they’ve locked onto a very small segment of the kid population.

The restaurant isn’t very kid friendly. Yes, they have kid friendly food and welcome kids, but take a look at those places that ‘do’ kid dining well - Red Robin, Chilis, Cheeseburger Cheeseburger….they are brightly colored, have balloons and fun for the kids - poppy music. They are hopping places. That is not the vibe put off by the Coliseum.

I love Maggie Moos….I want to see them stay. I would like the Coliseum to stay. But, they need to go with what sells…kids! Make the restaurant more kid friendly fun! More interactive games and excitement for kids of all ages and less aracade like. There is a reason why we love Wii. Take a lesson off the Japanese….music, games, body moving! Get rid of the bar. Bring in kids groups and maybe a kid friendly movie theater. Alternately, add a drop down screen so that the venue for live music and entertainment doubles as a movie theater for matinees.

Left by Heather on August 29th, 2008

I must add, after rereading my post (and all the typos…sorry) that they need to continue to offer drinks, just not take up all that space with a full fledged bar.

Left by Heather on August 29th, 2008

I took my partner, mother in law, and 8 yr old nephew here this past weekend.

I spent $100.00 on “chips” for the games. Spent $40.00 on bowling, $45.00 on “dinner, and another $20.00 on Maggie Moos ice cream.

Here is my review……please keep in mind that we have been there several times before too!(my nephew has been begging to go back ever since he was there in june of this year - even above Chuckee Cheese)

The food was “okay”. As good as anywhere else! They even “compt” the two meatball subs that were still frozen inside! They admitted that they had not cooked them long enough and apologized over and over again even after deducting $16.00 from my bill. I must say they were very sorry and knew they messed up! Also, for as busy as it was (raining all day) we got served quickly!

The bowling seemmed to be a bit too expensive, and the lanes were dirty(the approaches ect.)
Had fun with the bumpers, lights, and tv’s!

Then my nephew was totaly heart broken when we went upstairs to find that most of the games including the “roller coaster” were broke or turned off.

To top the night off we ate ice cream at Maggie Moos. This made it all worth it with free samples and endless toppings.

Would go back in a heartbeat! I hope they make it. They probably dont have any money but they need to advertise and have more kid friendly events to get the adults in there to drink and watch football!

Left by zig on September 8th, 2008

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