The business allows people to play an array of video games for hourly sessions or on a membership basis. The location is also used as a party venue for all ages. Their patrons range from children to adults.
Folahan said they recently had someone rent out the space for a bachelor party.
“Gaming by yourself can be fun, but socially it takes it to a whole other level,” he said.
The duo opened the business with a soft opening in December 2020 and a grand opening in January 2021, Folahan said. Business started off slow because of COVID-19, but it has geared up as tournament play has become more popular. “We’re really big at seeing who’s good at playing games around here,” he said.
Tournaments offer people the chance to compete in their favorite games, including “Mortal Kombat,” “Mario Kart,” “Fortnite,” “Super Smash Bros.” and more.
There is a kid who is the four-time “Fortnite” tournament champion at Be Legend Gaming, Folahan said.
“I wanted something where the kids that were really good at video games, the geeks or the nerds, can shine,” he said. “I wanted them to be able to have a reason to stick their chest out, too.”
The location goes beyond gaming. The business offers cocktails for guests ages 21 and up and a kitchen that serves pizzas, wings, barbecue and more. Folahan and Irene wanted to create a space that is fun for families. Irene said the kids can play games while the parents enjoy food and drinks at the same time.
The two have known each other for more than 30 years, and for nearly half that time, Folahan has talked about opening up a place like Be Legend Gaming, Irene said.
The inside of Be Legend Gaming is lined with televisions ready for game play on PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo. Gaming computers that flash with gaming possibilities line the front wall.
“We looked for places like this, and it didn’t exist,” Folahan said. “So we had to create it.” Be Legend Gaming
2630 Justin Road, Ste. 106, Highland Village
www.belegendgaming.com
Hours: Wed.-Thu. 3-9 p.m., Fri. 3-11 p.m., Sat. noon-11 p.m., Sun. noon-9 p.m., closed Mon.-Tue. Be Legend Gaming offers an array of pricing and membership options.
PC gaming: $15/hour
Premium PC gaming: $20/hour
Console gaming: $15/ hour
Omni Arena virtual reality: $20/hour
Day pass: $30/dayFree-play membership:$29.99/month
Free-play plus membership: $39.99/month
Free-play family membership: $99.99/monthFree-play family plus membership: $139.99/month
