810 Billiards & Bowling Rolls Out National Sales Team Led by Director with Years of Experience in the Entertainment Category

810 Billiards & Bowling, the “eatertainment” franchise concept with six units in markets across the U.S., has established itself as one of the most exciting and innovative concepts in the entertainment segment. In 2021, the franchise had its biggest growth year to date, welcoming two locations in Arizona, one in Phoenix and one in Chandler, and a third location in Houston. These locations joined the three existing locations in the 810 system, all located in South Carolina. Now, to support that growth and build out the brand’s infrastructure, 810 Billiards & Bowling is announcing the rollout of a national sales team, who will act as a centralized hub where customers can book events, parties and lane reservations. 

1851 Franchise spoke with Melisa Schisel, 810 Billiards & Bowling’s new director of sales, who will be leading the national sales team, to learn more about her background, the goals of the team and the plans for the future.

1851 Franchise: What did you do before joining 810 Billiards & Bowling?

Melisa Schisel: I came on board with 810 Billiards & Bowling in the summer of 2021. Before that, I worked with several other brands in the bowling and entertainment franchise category for over 20 years. I was super excited when 810 Billiards & Bowling CEO Mike Siniscalchi purchased a Phoenix bowling location, because I had worked there in 2015.

1851 Franchise: What are your goals with the national sales team?

Schisel: The goal here is to create a centralized team that books events, parties and lane reservations for corporate and franchise 810 Billiards & Bowling locations. This will give franchisees more time to focus on building long-lasting customer relationships and optimizing day-to-day operations. 

We know the 810 Billiards & Bowling brand better than anyone else. We are selling the same experience and package in every market. For the franchisee, this means they don’t have to put a birthday party package together and spend a ton of time focused on selling it. Our sales team will handle the creation of the package, and then the franchisees’ operations team can implement and run with it.

1851 Franchise: What is the size of the national sales team?

Schisel: Right now, there are three of us on the national sales team, and we’d like to have one sales person for every two 810 Billiards & Bowling locations. As we grow bigger as a brand, the sales team will grow alongside it. 

1851 Franchise: How does the national sales team work?

Schisel: The team works through a centralized phone platform. If a customer calls Houston or any of our locations, for example, the first prompt the platform will ask is if they want to book a party, event or reservation. From there, they will be connected to the entire sales team, and we will take care of everything. That can be a huge advantage of franchisees, especially when they are first opening. It has already proven to be a big success, with locations seeing extraordinary sales in December. 

1851 Franchise: Tell us what attracted you to this brand based on your prior experience? 

Schisel: With bigger bowling brands, there are systems and packages are already set in place, and they don’t want to change. At 810 Billiards & Bowling, we’re structured to give a premium experience for our guests, which includes the ability to customize everything. There is a lot more flexibility, which attracted me to the brand, because it allows us to meet customers’ vision for what they want their experience to be. 

1851 Franchise: What do you envision for the future of your role and team?

Schisel: The possibilities are endless, but like any successful big brand in the family entertainment world, we’re not just waiting for people to walk through the doors. We’re busy creating an experience that is seamless in every way — not just for the guests, but for the franchisees too. 

For example, during the Super Bowl, we’re going to be offering a “four-quarter-course-meal” with drinks at a per-person price. We will be offering big packages and opportunities at all of our venues this year for couples and families. 

For more information, visit: https://www.810bowling.com/franchising/