GameTime in Ocoee hits start button

With bowling, burgers and booze, GameTime in Ocoee hopes to become West Orange’s newest local hangout.    

“We certainly are always actively looking for ways to tie ourselves to the local community,” GameTime CEO and founder Mike Abecassis said. “We want to find ourselves trying to connect to that community, because we’re just a local space. We’re not a tourist-type attraction, typically. We’re really trying to connect to the local community and be a regular place to go. … We want to be their second living room.”

The family entertainment center will celebrate its grand opening from May 4 to 6 with prize giveaways, promotions and food and drink specials throughout the weekend. In honor of Cinco de Mayo, GameTime will offer $5 margaritas, $5 tequila shots and $15 Corona buckets. Each bucket will have five Coronas.

GameTime features a wide variety of video arcade games, indoor miniature bowling, a full-liquor bar and a diverse menu, said GameTime Marketing Director Kelli Markunas.

“It’s beyond American cuisine,” Markunas said. “There’s just so much diversity in our menu now.”

Markunas added the menu offers everything from wings, tacos, burgers, ribs, nachos, pasta, pot stickers and more.

Games are played using a card-based system that features two options to play. Players can choose a card where they play by the hour or play by the credit, Abecassis said.

“We sell time-based play that allow guests to play for a limited amount of time,” Abecassis said. “Those cards are limited in what games can be played and it doesn’t win any prizes or tickets. Additionally, it cannot be share in that it locks out while another game is being played. And then, we sell a credit-based card that is essentially an à la carte play, so it’s pay-to-play for each individual game.”

Markunas said GameTime offers a combo deal so players can enjoy a meal and games at a low cost.

“We have a dine-and-play combo, which is a great value,” Markunas said. “It gives you a select menu item plus a $15 all-access game card for only $16.99, so your meal is practically free with that combo.”

In addition to games and food, GameTime also features dozens of TVs that will show sporting events throughout the year, Abecassis said.

“We’re always promoting all of the sporting events — whether it’s football, basketball, hockey, baseball — we’re showing everything that we can,” Abecassis said. “We always show every football game. We buy the NFL package, and we show every football game. … Anywhere you sit in the restaurant, you’ll certainly be able to see all the games at any time. … (We) want to make sure we’re thought of as a place to go to when there’s a special (sporting) event.”