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How to Build a Culture of Connection at Downtown Flavortown, AAMA FEC of the Year Finalist, with Bucky Mabe – Podcast Episode 127
Audio Links: Apple | Spotify | Amazon Music | iHeart Radio | Pandora
Episode Description
On this special edition of the Memory Makers Podcast, Russ concludes our special 4-part series featuring the finalists for the American Amusement Machine Association (AAMA) FEC of the Year award!
We finish our series with the one and only, Bucky Mabe of Downtown Flavortown (FACE Amusement) in Pigeon Forge, TN. Bucky shares how their “FACE” core values (Faith, Attitude, Consistency, and Excellence) serve as the ‘north star’ for a massive seasonal operation, and why they prioritize ‘Plus One’ moments to turn a standard outing into a lifelong memory. From duckpin bowling and arcade high scores to Guy Fieri’s iconic menu, learn how this 43,000-square-foot powerhouse became the most visited entertainment venue in Tennessee.
“When you launch a new concept, you don’t really know how the guest is going to treat it. We think we know… but you don’t really know until they start showing up. In this concept, people are coming for the food and staying for the fun, as opposed to just coming for the fun and maybe eating.”
-Bucky Mabe
Bucky describes the secret sauce that leads with a world-class culinary brand to create a destination that appeals to an entirely new demographic.
Key Takeaways
- Culture Serves as the North Star: Bucky utilizes the FACE acronym—Faith, Attitude, Consistency, and Excellence—as a literal guide for every hiring and leadership decision, ensuring the team remains anchored even during high-season transitions.
- Food Drives the Entertainment Engine: By partnering with Guy Fieri to lead with a 60/40 food-to-entertainment split, the venue attracts a demographic that traditionally avoids FECs, resulting in higher repeat visits and national foot-traffic rankings.
- The Plus One Principle Creates Memories: Train your staff to look for ‘Plus One’ opportunities. The small, unscripted gestures that transform a standard transaction into a “Star Experience” are what bring people back.
- Community Roots Anchor the Brand: Through initiatives like Star Christmas and Base Bears, FACE Amusement gives back to local families and national associations without the need for public fanfare, building great internal pride and local loyalty.
Special thanks to Embed for their assistance with this AAMA FEC of the Year Series.
