Epic Fun donates pizza to South Austin families, "no questions asked"

Epic Fun, a recreation and event center in South Austin, is preparing to deliver its seventh round of free pizzas to local families on Friday, May 1 from 2-4 p.m. Located at 7101 W. Hwy. 71, Austin, Epic Fun’s leadership had to close business in March due to its non-essential status during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. While the business' attractions—including laser tag, axe-throwing, rock climbing, bumper cars, ropes courses and more—sit untouched, Epic Fun’s Stacy Eppen said she saw an opportunity to reduce some of the Epic Fun’s cafe inventory while helping the community by giving away free pizzas.

“After the first week we did it, we had a really great response, so we thought, ‘Why don’t we keep this going for as long as we can?’” Eppen said.

Since beginning the first of the giveaway events, Epic Fun has handed out 530 pizzas, according to Eppen. Quantity is limited to one free pizza per family at each drive-thru event, although some have opted to pay for a second pie. Others have reached out to support Epic Fun’s efforts to give back to the community by making financial donations so Eppen and her crew can restock ingredients.

Eppen said anyone can pick up a pizza “no questions asked,” although Epic Fun’s intent is to lend a hand to families who might be struggling financially or are unable to make a trip to the grocery store. She said a number of participants have told her they are picking up food for a family member or friend that is immunocompromised.

The business is finding that as it supports the South Austin community, the South Austin community supports it in turn, delivering promises to return to Epic Fun as soon as it reopens, Eppen said.

“It’s been heartwarming and very touching,” she said.

Epic Fun expects to be one of the last businesses given the go-ahead by state and local government to reopen, according to Eppen, but is working to plan for adjusted business practices when the time comes so the facility is safe and clean. For now, Eppen said she and her staff are remaining optimistic about the future, knowing that customers are looking forward to some epic fun—especially kids.

“The kids are calling and asking if we’re really closed. They don’t believe their parents that they can’t come,” Eppen said. “I think everyone’s kind of eager to come back.”