A Chat With Dallas Restaurateur Mark Moore
Much to the chagrin of many a student, summer vacation has come to a quick close here in Dallas. Of course, that doesn't mean that the heat or the need to entertain the kids has stopped.
In fact, now more than ever, families need something fun to do when the kids aren't in school to keep them off their phones and out of trouble. Enter PINSTACK. Think kid and adult heaven combined with real food, every possible video game, an indoor climbing wall, two story laser tag, bumper cars, a coffee and dessert bar, and swanky bowling alleys.
I was curious about such a fun, elevated restaurant/entertainment mecca, so I taped Mark Moore, President and CEO of Entertainment Properties Group, for the low down:
The Daily Meal: When you describe PINSTACK to people who aren't familiar with it, how do you describe both its feel and what it has to offer?
Mark Moore: PINSTACK is North Texas' first state-of-the-art bowling and active entertainment destination, operated by Entertainment Properties Group, Inc. From VIP bowling experiences to two-story laser tag, bumper cars, LED-lit six-lane rock climbing walls, hundreds of interactive games and simulator technology, PINSTACK offers fun for everyone. [It's] a chef-inspired restaurant offers an upscale dining experience before or after gaming with modern American classics, a stacked bar, and craft cocktails.
People love to join together over food. Why do you think that is?
There is something special about gathering around a table and experiencing a meal with loved ones because everyone experiences it in a different way.
Why do you think PINSTACK is such a great place to do that?
PINSTACK is a great place to gather around the table with friends or family, and then enjoy some healthy competition on the lanes and in the game room. The chef-inspired, full-service restaurant offers quality and creative dishes like our signature macaroni & cheese pops, grown up grilled cheese, and blackened mahi mahi.
Why is it so important for families to find activities to do together?
[Families are always] looking for something fun and different to do. It is a great opportunity to spend time with each other, build relationships, and create memories.
What makes PINSTACK, to your mind, an ideal place to do that?
PINSTACK offers a variety of activities that appeal to all ages including bowling, laser tag, and our high ropes course, where guests are suspended 20 feet above the video game floor. It's a great place where families can spend time having fun together!
There are plenty of bowling alleys, arcades, and combo entertainment centers out there. What is it that makes PINSTACK so unique?
PINSTACK is a sophisticated and modern entertainment venue that offers indoor activities including bumper cars, rock climbing, bowling and a full service restaurant all under one roof. The arcade is 7,000-square-feet and features over 100 different games including mobile games like Candy Crush and Flappy Tickets (read: Flappy Bird knock-off) on the floor. The restaurant is an upscale dining experience offering menu items including gourmet burgers, handmade pizzas and entrees like grilled salmon made with fresh ingredients.
Does the PINSTACK menu change?
The menu features classics with rotating seasonal menu items offered throughout the year.
Tell us a little about the bar program at PINSTACK.
Craft cocktails, wines on tap, and 24 beers on tap are available at our main restaurant bar and our bowling bar, located next to the bowling lanes. Next to the bowling bar is a full-service, high-end coffee bar for those who prefer a rich cappuccino or a milkshake. PINSTACK recently added wine and beer flights, giving guests an opportunity to taste multiple beers or wines.