A Fun Spin on Dentistry: Dr. McCormick’s Entertaining Venture
From What’s Up, Wake by The Publishers of Cary Magazine, Wake Living, and Main & Broad
June 11, 2026 · 32 min · Episode 64
About this episode
Bryden McCormick discusses his transition from dentistry to creating a family entertainment venue in Fuquay-Varina.
Bryden McCormick, a Fuquay-Varina dentist and owner of Fuquay Family Dentistry, shares how he went from economics and banking to dentistry, then to creating McWally’s after seeing the town’s need for a family entertainment spot. He explains the years-long process from concept to opening on August 20, 2025, including feasibility studies, working with family entertainment consultants, covid-driven cost increases that doubled the project to $20 million, and securing SBA financing through a small Wisconsin bank. With events and marketing manager Emily Jones, he highlights McWally’s bowling, arcade, food, bar, outdoor patio, and 5,000-square-foot laser tag arena, plus the challenges of managing a large teen staff, heavy party volume, and plans for a potential second location. 00:00 Dentist Meets Fun 02:50 Why Dentistry Chose Him 04:11 Landing in Fuquay-Varina 05:02 The McWally's Idea 06:08 Covid Costs and Investors 07:43 Naming McWally's 08:44 Balancing Two Businesses 09:41 Financing Hurdles 11:01 Emily Runs Events Marketing 12:26 Laser Tag and Murals 16:03 Community Reaction and Vision 18:34 Running Day to Day 19:26 Leadership Behind Scenes 20:17 Juggling Parties 21:08 Bright Open…
People in this episode
Guest: Bryden McCormick
Topics covered
- dentistry
- family entertainment
- business development
- community engagement
- COVID-19 impact
Keywords
- dentistry
- family entertainment
- McWally's
- COVID-19
- business financing
- laser tag
- bowling
- arcade
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Fuquay Family Dentistry, McWally's, SBA
Places: Fuquay-Varina, Wisconsin
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