Young Ones to Watch: Mike Siniscalchi, Founder and President of 810 Billiards and Bowling

Michael Siniscalchi, president and founder of emerging “eater-tainment” brand 810 Billiards & Bowling*, never expected to enter the franchise industry. But after a spur-of-the-moment decision to purchase a bowling alley while visiting his parents in South Carolina, Siniscalchi, who previously worked as a trader on the Chicago Board of Trade and New York Stock Exchange, recognized a chance to spread a well-positioned business model across the country. In 2015 Siniscalchi launched 810 Billiards & Bowling, a franchise concept that offers bowling, billiards, a full-service bar, arcade games, mini golf and more.

Today, Siniscalchi has helped expand the 810 Billiards & Bowling brand to feature three franchised units across the country, with the goal of opening 12 locations by 2024. Siniscalchi’s advice for other young up-and-comers in the franchising space is to focus on one thing: empathy.

“It's really about putting yourself in the position of the franchisee,” said Siniscalchi. “That is the single best metric I have for decision making: If these roles were reversed, how would I feel about the situation? As long as you are always thinking of franchisees' well-being first, you will succeed as a franchisor.”

Watch the full interview above, or click here to watch it on YouTube.