Charlie Keegan is stepping down as CEO of major US entertainment centres operator, Main Event, effective from November 24.
He will remain with the group for another 12 months as a consultant, while a replacement is found.
“What we have accomplished together is nothing short of amazing,” Keegan told employees on Tuesday. “We have gone from being a locally known bowling alley in Texas to a nationally recognised entertainment brand with industry admiration and global appeal.
"Our compound annual growth rate the last five years alone is over 30 per cent. And we have built an impressive leadership team, with a proven track record of success, to lead Main Event Entertainment into the future.”
Keegan joined Main Event in 2006 when it was sold to Australian real estate investment trust Ardent Leisure and, under his control, Main Event has grown from six locations with two more under construction to 38, with 20 million guests each year.
Right now five more locations are under construction and more are planned for 2018 to hit Keegan’s objective of an annual 30 per cent growth annually.
“I think there’s an opportunity today for high-quality aspirational leisure activities that combine with quality food and beverage to make compelling entertainment experiences,” Keegan said.
“This category is growing at the expense of traditional casual dining, movie and bowling categories.”
