Remember when a bowling alley was just a bowling alley? At Launch, a long list of physically active, playful escapes is on tap for families who need a break from their digital devices—and two locations are coming to North Texas.
Rhode Island-based outdoor family entertainment franchise Launch Entertainment has signed a new lease for its latest location at 4905 S. Cooper St. in Arlington, the company’s third park in Texas.
Spanning more than 39,000 square feet, the Arlington location is scheduled to open in the first half of 2026. Other locations are in development in Lewisville and Houston.
Bowling will be offered at Launch. [Photo: Launch Entertainment]
Hemanth Kumar, president of Zion Capital Management, is spearheading the Arlington location alongside his local partners Eesha Kumar, Karthik Krishnamoorthy, and Daiva Polimetla.
“My partners and I were inspired by a passion to create a safe, enjoyable space where families can come together for entertainment,” Hemanth said in a statement. “Launch perfectly complements our portfolio with its diverse range of activities that cater to both children and adults and Arlington’s vibrant community and central location make it an ideal destination for our Launch park. We’re thrilled to bring a unique blend of family-friendly entertainment and attractions to even more Texas residents and are excited to see this project come to life within the next year.”
Down for dodgeball? It’s one of the things that enliven Launch. [Photo: Launch Entertainment]
Hemanth Kumar has extensive experience as a business and technology leader with expertise spanning hospitality, real estate, and restaurants, Launch said.
Eesha Kumar has more than a decade of franchise management experience, currently operating two Montessori franchises in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Getting physical on an obstacle course at a Launch location. [Photo: Launch Entertainment]
Krishnamoorthy is a senior IT leader with proficiency in customer relationship management and operational oversight of real estate portfolios. Polimetla is an IT executive in the commercial real estate sector and serves on the board of a startup driving innovative solutions.
Air Track baskeball at Launch. [Photo: Launch Entertainment]
Texas ‘a key market’ for Launch
The Arlington location will be the group’s first park as part of a three-unit agreement to serve North Dallas communities.
Launch said the Arlington location will feature a variety of attractions, including a bowling alley, arcade games, an air track basketball court, laser tag, obstacle courses, a Krave restaurant, bar, and more. Launch said this new deal further supports its strategic expansion into Texas while also solidifying its position as a leader in the family entertainment industry.
Part of the arcade at a Launch location. [Photo: Launch Entertainment]
“Texas continues to be a key market for Launch Entertainment, and we’re excited to continue partnering with Hemanth and his team as they bring our vision to life in Arlington,” Jeff Todd, chief development officer at Launch Entertainment, said in a statement. “With cutting-edge attractions and a focus on community engagement, coupled with the unparalleled expertise of this Arlington team, this location is set to deliver unforgettable experiences to families across the region.”
Exterior of an existing Launch location. [Photo: Launch Entertainment]
Launch Entertainment said its business model offers a scalable, multi-unit opportunity and creates a fun, dynamic, and competitive environment that drives growth for its franchise operators.
The company said that target markets for growth include new and existing markets around the Northeast, South, and Southwest, with a current emphasis on Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, Nevada, New York, New Jersey, Arizona, South Carolina, and Connecticut.
Krave pizzas will be offered at the Arlington Launch location. [Photo: Launch Entertainment]
Launch said it’s seeking franchise partnerships with investors wanting to diversify their portfolio through its multi-revenue stream business model. The company said that potential franchisees are higher net-worth individuals, with $1.5 million liquid and $3 million net worth.
David Seeley contributed to this report.
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