The Dorsett truck stop near I-35 and Main Street in Buda will be getting a radical makeover soon. Darren and Mikki Spohn, owners of Pinballz Arcade in Austin, are planning to make the building the site of their second entertainment facility.
The Spohns' plans for the building and surrounding 13 acres include an arcade, full restaurant, bar, laser tag and live music. Darren said he is hoping to have the $6 million project open in the summer.
Darren said the success of his first arcade venture put expansion on his mind.
"My take on it is [by building in Buda] you get the South Austin crowd and you get Kyle, San Marcos and Buda crowds," he said. "You're kind of at a perfect crossroads. The other reason is [Buda is] not the city of Austin."
The Spohns, who also own three technology companies in Austin, have worked with the city before, and Darren called the process "horrendous." This played in Buda's favor when the Spohns were looking for sites for the project. The Spohns have been actively working with the city of Buda on the project for about a year, he said.
"Working with the city of Buda has been great," Darren said. "Everyone we have worked with so far has been very open and friendly and willing to make this project work. That's another influencing factor we had with going [to Buda]. Not only are they willing to work with us, they're willing to do things fast, because they realize this benefits everybody in the community."
Darren said the new location, which will be called Pinballz Kingdom, will have a "Disney-esque" feel to it. The project's second phase will include construction of walls and a drawbridge to mimic the look of a castle. The truck stop has been abandoned for about eight years, Darren said.
"If you look at it, it's really going to bring a new place for families and adults down there," Darren said.
Ann Miller, director of the Buda Economic Development Corporation, said the company is working on an economic development incentive agreement that would not exceed $62,000.
A public hearing will be held April 9 at Buda City Hall to discuss the possible agreement. Any such agreement would include performance requirements for things like job creation, Miller said.
Darren estimated the company will initially hire 25–30 positions.
"It's creating a family entertainment center, a destination center, that will not only serve Buda residents but bring people from all over," Miller said. "It's going to transform that whole part of the I-35 corridor."
Miller said the company is planning to work with the city on coordinating complimentary programming during major regional events such as the Formula 1 races in the fall.
For more information on Pinballz Kingdom, check www.pinballzkingdom.com