Ep. 127 - How to Build a Culture of Connection at Downtown Flavortown, AAMA FEC of the Year Finalist, with Bucky Mabe

About this episode

Bucky Mabe discusses how Downtown Flavortown builds a culture of connection through core values and memorable experiences.

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.

People in this episode

Host: Russ

Guest: Bucky Mabe

Topics covered

• culture of connection
• entertainment venue
• core values
• customer experience
• FEC of the Year

Keywords

• Downtown Flavortown
• AAMA FEC of the Year
• Bucky Mabe
• customer experience
• entertainment venue
• core values
• Plus One moments

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: American Amusement Machine Association

Products: Guy Fieri’s iconic menu

Books & works: Downtown Flavortown

Places: Pigeon Forge, TN, Tennessee

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