Nothing brings family and friends closer than a good day out. Amusement parks and attractions have been a tried and tested destination for all things fun; they’re the perfect get-away, distraction, and retreat for people of all ages.

Five Star Parks & Attractions is predominantly a platform for the amusement and hospitality industry. It focuses on delivering exceptional experiences to guests of all ages. Five Star Parks aims to become synonymous with high-quality family entertainment. This vision entails continued growth, innovation, and a commitment to providing memorable moments for families nationwide.

Five Star Parks has a unique approach to entertainment. While there is no lack of eat-entertainment experience options, they stand out as pioneers in the micro-amusement park category. They not only created the category but also defined it by offering a wide range of entertainment options suitable for anyone aged 2 to 92. The Five Star Parks were designed to focus on family enjoyment while providing diverse entertainment experiences.

The story of Five Star Parks & Attractions

Five Star Parks & Attractions began in Branson, Missouri, with the acquisition of The Track Family Fun Parks led by owners Craig Wescott and Mike Russell. Craig and Mike recognized their potential together as investors passionate about the family entertainment center industry, such as Fruition Partners. They aimed to enhance the sector’s quality, culture, and overall experience with their shared vision to capitalize on the industry’s fragmented market.

Five Star Parks strategically built a strong team and expanded their presence from local to regional and eventually national levels. Over a span of two years, Five Star Parks saw significant growth as it established itself as one of the premier amusement and hospitality companies in the US; its portfolio went from 3 to an impressive 27 locations, boasting 10 brands and several other parks in different stages of development. Five Star’s most recent acquisitions of two Fun Land locations in Virginia and five Scene75 locations in Ohio and Illinois have proven to be strong leaders in the brand. This rapid expansion showcases Five Star’s commitment to growth and innovation in the amusement industry.

With the continuous exploration of new opportunities and acquisitions, John Dunlap became the CEO, playing a pivotal role in acquiring additional parks and expanding Five Star Parks’ footprint from Branson to Pigeon Forge.

Since the company’s inception, Five Star Parks has diversified its offerings to cater to a wider audience. Initially focusing on outdoor family entertainment centers in tourist-centric markets, the company now includes large indoor micro-amusement parks in various markets across the country, diversifying and enhancing its position as a leader in the amusement and hospitality sector.

Positive company culture and the unique difference that sets Five Star Parks apart

There are multiple aspects to making a company successful; one key factor is the people. The people often make the place, and Five Star Parks recruits exceptional individuals who align with their core values. Five Star Parks values integrity, accountability, teamwork, safety, service, inclusiveness, and performance, which are the core values that serve as the foundation that upholds their organization. Five Star believes in fostering a fun work environment, prioritizing creating a fun and inspiring atmosphere for their teams, and empowering them to inspire their guests to have a great time.

Their company culture has proven to be a large part of their success, and their large footprint makes it very distinct. Unlike other companies that offer entertainment experiences with ticketing restrictions, Five Star allows their guests the flexibility to visit for a short or extended period; they provide a wide range of entertainment without the need for tickets. For Five Star Parks, it’s not just about the price; it’s about delivering high-value experiences that immerse guests in thrills and excitement from the moment they step in.

Dealing with everyday challenges

Five Star Parks & Attractions is an establishment that experiences high guest traffic that inadvertently brings about specific everyday challenges, but the company has developed effective strategies to combat them. One of the key challenges Five Star faces is maintaining its high standards, which are consistently expected from facilities that are integral parts of their communities. Five Star Parks view this as a privilege and take the responsibility seriously, ensuring that attractions consistently uphold core values that inspire people of all ages to come together and enjoy a safe, clean, and fun environment.

A critical aspect of overcoming these challenges is prioritizing the well-being of team members. Five Star Parks focuses on creating a positive work environment, recognizing that happy employees lead to better guest experiences. Additionally, Five Star constantly innovates by introducing new games, attractions, and excellent food and beverage options, creating desirable destinations for visitors.

The future of delivering exceptional experiences

The demand for family entertainment centers is steadily increasing and shows no signs of slowing down in the foreseeable future. This works perfectly with Five Star Parks & Attractions, as they continuously seek opportunities to grow and expand within the industry and capitalize on promising prospects. Five Star Parks & Attractions has ambitious plans for the future aimed at delighting families and further solidifying its position as a premium provider of family entertainment.

The Five Star approach is strategic and deliberate, particularly within the thriving sector of family entertainment centers in the US. The company’s primary goal is to make strategic capital investments that enhance its existing portfolio of attractions. Five Star Parks intends to expand its footprint across the United States, transforming itself into a household name and a strong national entertainment brand. With numerous family entertainment centers in the organization’s sights, the potential for expansion appears limitless.

A brief biography of John Dunlap

John Dunlap is the CEO of Five Star Parks & Attractions. Since stepping into the role, John has overseen its impressive expansion from 3 to 27 locations across 13 states, solidifying its standing as one of the United States’ most innovative and fastest-growing family entertainment companies.

Before joining Five Star Parks, he held notable positions, including President of SeaWorld & Sesame Place in California, founder and CEO of Iconic Attractions Group, and Executive Director of the renowned San Diego Zoo. Educated at the University of Virginia, where he earned his bachelor’s degree with distinction, and Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, where he attained his MBA, John further honed his expertise with executive leadership, financial management, and food service management certifications from Cornell University.

John currently resides in Charlotte, NC, with his wife Jenny and their children John, Evelyn, and William. They enjoy spending quality time together and engaging in community activities.

“Our parks are designed with a focus on family enjoyment, with aspirations to be a step above the rest all while providing a diverse selection of entertainment experiences. There’s truly something for everyone to enjoy at a Five Star Parks & Attractions facility.”