MENGENAI EPISOD INI
Welcome back to another episode of the FEC Masterminds Podcast! This week, Clint Novak and Erik Stottlemyer are joined by a special guest, Seth, the innovative third-generation operator of the historic Calvert Drive-In Theater.
Seth took over a beloved Kentucky icon—a classic 1953 drive-in theater—and has been strategically transforming it from a simple, seasonal cinema into a dynamic, year-round Family Entertainment Center. In this episode, Seth breaks down the challenges, the wins, and the future of combining retro cinema nostalgia with modern FEC amenities.
Tune in to learn:
The Challenge of the Digital Shift: How Seth and his family navigated the costly transition from 35mm film to digital projection (and saved their screen in the process).
Diversifying Revenue Streams: The critical decision to add a large indoor arcade in 2023, shifting the business model from seasonal to year-round and from night-only to all-day fun.
Elevating the Food & Beverage Game: Why Seth brought in professional restaurant equipment (the legendary flat-top grill) and the massive payoff of offering high-quality food, like their popular $5 cheeseburgers, as a standalone destination.
The InterCard Advantage: A deep dive into why Calvert Drive-In chose InterCard for their arcade operations, how it has improved cash management, and how the simplified system was designed with future cashless integration for food and gate entry in mind.
Creating 365 Days of Revenue: Insights on balancing a 10,000 sq ft retro arcade with seasonal movie operations to maximize the footprint and profitability of their venue.
Whether you operate a traditional bowling alley or arcade looking for new ideas, or are looking to reinvent a unique outdoor venue, Seth’s strategic pivot provides actionable lessons on diversifying for long-term success.
Listen now! #FECMasterminds #CalvertDriveIn #DriveInTheater #FEC #ArcadeOperations #FoodAndBeverage #InterCard #Podcast
