A California-based operator of family entertainment centers plans to open its first Colorado location in a vacant Sam’s Club in Aurora.
Newmark Entertainment has submitted an application to convert the store at 1400 S. Abilene St. into an Amazing Jake’s. The concept combines an all-you-can-eat pizza bar and pasta bar with entertainment options like an arcade, laser tag, bumper cars, go-karts and a climbing wall.
The center would occupy 90,000 square feet of the former 106,000-square-foot warehouse club. The remaining space would be reserved for future retail, according to the company’s submission.
Newmark Entertainment officials did not return messages seeking comment.
Newmark was founded in 2001 by a group of former executives from Newport Beach, Calif.-based amusement center operator Palace Entertainment, according to Newmark’s website.
The company operates family entertainment centers in Texas and California. Earlier this year, the company opened its first Amazing Jake’s in Mesa, Ariz. The company says on its website that it intends to take the concept nationwide.
Aurora officials are enthusiastic about the prospect of filling a vacant “big-box” store with a family-oriented center.
“We’re certainly very happy they chose Aurora to open their first Colorado establishment,” said Aurora spokeswoman Kim Stuart. “It’s a very family-oriented entertainment and restaurant concept, and we’re obviously very excited to be occupying a vacant commercial property in the city.”
The project will require a change from industrial zoning – allowed for some warehouse clubs – to retail, according to city officials.
Newmark officials have indicated to the city that they intend to open the center next summer.
Staff writer Kristi Arellano can be reached at 303-820-1902 or karellano@denverpost.com.
