JLL and GameWorks align to expand esports lounges

(PRESS RELEASE) -- JLL, a leading professional services firm that specializes in real estate and investment management, announced today the company will align with GameWorks, Inc., a full entertainment and dining experience for millennials, teens and families, to expand its concept nationwide. Currently, GameWorks operates seven entertainment centers in seven states. Averaging 20,000-30,000 square feet, each facility boasts an esports lounge, large arcade gaming floor and its store-within-a-store, Modern American branded restaurant concept, The Works Kitchen at GameWorks. Some locations feature other entertainment options such as virtual reality experiences and laser tag.

GameWorks is planning to bring its integrated and exciting entertainment concept and esports lounges to an increasing number of U.S. cities. Partnering with JLL will help identify strategic locations ripe for its demographic and concept. JLL’s Scott Wetzel and Joe Bevan are overseeing site selection and transaction services for GameWorks.

“Over the past several months, we have been bolstering our offering across all our venues, particularly in the esports realm, and subsequently emerged among the nation’s most influential and largest esports players. We are a destination venue with a built-in, growth demographic. Our goal with our expansion plans is to open large locations in key cities, each with full-service, high-tech, high-touch lounges and further strengthen our leadership position in an explosive market that continues to boom. GameWorks is right there with an esports experience that brings players and spectators the experience they demand. We look forward to working with JLL to expand our footprint throughout the country,” explained GameWorks Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Philip N. Kaplan.

Wetzel added, "We are working with GameWorks’ executives to identify key markets, submarkets and neighborhoods to expand into and meet the goals of the company. As the retail industry evolves, experiential entertainment venues continue to be a vital draw for shopping centers, retail corridors and the overall community. GameWorks is the ideal complement for retailers looking to drive customer traffic.”