Ray Camillo

“The ones I’d bet on long term are the ones that stay disciplined: hoodless kitchens, tight menus built for one cook, self-pour or simplified bar programmes and a brand identity that knows exactly what it is,”

Ray Camillo · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-05

Camillo says long-term success depends on operators staying disciplined with streamlined kitchens and menus.

“Every one of these concepts makes its real money on the activity: the court fee, the lane, the simulator,”

Ray Camillo · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-05

Camillo explains that eatertainment concepts earn their core revenue from activity fees rather than food.

“A padel [another racket sport rising in popularity] court or a bowling lane is a much more durable, less trend-driven revenue stream than a dining room seat, and it comes with better real estate economics. It’s not competing purely on per-seat turns. F&B just juices the model on top of that.”

Ray Camillo · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-05

Camillo argues that activity-based revenue streams like padel courts are more durable than dining room seats.

“The F&B [food and beverage] programme exists to stretch how long someone stays and increase what they spend while they’re there.”

Ray Camillo · said date not stated · reported 2026-09-05

Camillo says food and beverage programmes exist to extend guest dwell time and spending.