Robert and Tasha Abrams never imagined that a casual gaming session during the COVID-19 pandemic would lead to a thriving family business in Searcy, Arkansas.
What started as a simple idea to entertain their kids at home has blossomed into a unique combination of a mobile game bus and a brick-and-mortar gaming lounge, offering local children a fun, safe, and social environment to enjoy video games.
A Pandemic-Inspired Idea
The story began during the lockdown when Robert, a nurse, found himself spending more time at home with his kids, who were playing video games as a way to pass the time. “I hadn’t played video games for probably 20 years,” Robert recalls, “but when I sat down with them, I realized that gaming had come a long way since the days of Mario on the old Nintendo.”
The turning point came when one of his kids wondered aloud about the in-game experience on the “battle bus” in Fortnite. This sparked an idea in Robert’s mind that quickly took root.
Without hesitation, Robert purchased a school bus, much to Tasha’s surprise. “She thought I was crazy,” Robert admits with a laugh. “She thought we’d just have this big yellow school bus sitting in our driveway forever.” But Robert had a vision, and with the help of his sons, he began converting the bus into a mobile gaming unit, right there in their driveway.
The bus quickly became a hit, allowing Robert and his kids to work together on a project that brought joy not just to them, but to many other families as well. “We really did it just to have something to do together as a family,” Robert says. “But it took off from there.”
From Bus to Brick-and-Mortar
The success of the mobile game bus led Robert and Tasha to consider expanding their business. “The bus was doing so well that we started thinking about what was next,” Tasha explains. The answer was a permanent gaming lounge in Searcy.
The lounge was created with a clear mission: to provide local kids with a place to socialize while doing something they love. “Everyone constantly complains that there’s nothing for kids to do around here,” Robert says. “So, we thought, let’s give them something. They’re going to play video games at home anyway—why not give them a place where they can do it with their friends, like an old-school arcade?”
The gaming lounge offers 19 gaming stations, each equipped with the latest consoles and a selection of the most popular games, including Fortnite, Minecraft, Roblox, Madden, and NBA 2K. “We have the top 40 games pre-downloaded, so there’s something for everyone.”
Balancing Business and Family Life
Running a business is never easy, but for the Abrams, it’s a family affair. Robert, Tasha, and their children all play a role in the daily operations, from setting up gaming stations to managing the register. “One of the things I love most about this business is that it’s something we can all do together,” Robert says. “When I do a party with the bus, one of my sons is always with me, helping out.”
The business also serves as a valuable teaching tool for their children. “They’re learning skills that aren’t necessarily taught in school—things like financial management, work ethic, and the importance of budgeting,” Tasha explains. The kids even earn an allowance for their work, which they use to make their own purchases, learning the value of money along the way. “At first, they’d spend their money right away,” Robert adds, “but now they’re learning to think carefully about what they want to buy.”
Building Excitement and Expanding Opportunities
The Abrams have seen great success with their mobile game bus and gaming lounge, but they’re eager to see even more local kids enjoying the space. The parties have been a hit, and now they’re focused on making the gaming lounge a go-to spot for fun in Searcy. “We love seeing the excitement when kids walk in for the first time,” Tasha shares. “We want to create a place where all 19 gaming stations are buzzing with activity every day.”
To keep the momentum going, Robert and Tasha are encouraging more families to come out and experience what they’ve built. “When people come in, they’re amazed by the setup and the atmosphere,” Robert says. “We just need to get the word out and get more people through the doors.”
The gaming lounge offers an exciting weekend activity that kids will love, and with the colder weather approaching, there’s no better time to check it out. “We’re here to give kids a place to hang out, have fun, and make memories with their friends,” Tasha says. “Whether you’re planning a party or just looking for something to do on the weekend, we’d love for you to stop by and see what we’re all about.”
Get Involved!
If you’re looking to book a party or just want to check out the gaming lounge, you can find Robert and Tasha’s business on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. The lounge is open on weekends, and the mobile game bus is available for parties throughout Central Arkansas. For more information, you can visit their social media pages or contact them directly to book your next event.
Featured Place
Royale Party Bus & Royale Gaming Lounge
2207 W Beebe Capps Expy
Searcy, Arkansas 72143
(501) 4270-901
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