By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org
The fun never ends at Wyoming’s Craig’s Cruisers Family Fun Centers. Having been in the community for 22 years, Craig’s Cruisers provides a host of activities from mini golf to go-carts. In 2009, it added the 700-capacity seating restaurant – the largest seating capacity restaurant in Kent County – and a few years ago expanded again to add an inside roller coaster, laser tag, trampolines, and a Ninja obstacle course. Marketing Manager Cait Thrasher filled us in on some of the details about the popular family fun spot.
Name of business: Craig’s Cruisers Family Fun Centers
What is your business? (IE: Restaurant serving Italian specialities, gift shop, manufacture of auto parts): Family Fun Center / Amusement / Entertainment
How long has your business been operating? The business began in Silver Lake, Michigan, in 1979. We’ve been in Wyoming since 1999.
How did your business get started? In 1979 Craig Cihak and his parents Ron & Donna Cihak purchased property in Silver Lake, Michigan (formerly Bill’s Dune Rides). They started the first go-kart track with just eight go-karts. Each spring for several years, new attractions were added. Campers and seasonal tourists at the beautiful sand dune vacation spot patronized the first Craig’s Cruisers Family Fun Center. As patronage grew, so did the business. In 1990, a second location was built in Muskegon. In 1994, a third location was built in Holland, and in 1999, a fourth location was built in Grand Rapids (Wyoming).
Why did you decide to locate your business in the Wyoming/Kentwood area? Craig’s Cruisers wanted to be able to offer indoor entertainment for guests through all four of Michigan’s seasons. After much research and planning the doors to our fourth Grand Rapids (Wyoming) location opened in December 1999. The first offerings included: indoor electric go-karts, laser tag, video arcade, private party/meeting rooms, full kitchen and four outdoor attractions.
What has been the greatest challenge for your business? Recently, operating during the pandemic with the ever-changing restrictions and regulations. The covid restrictions have been very hard on the entertainment and hospitality industry.
What is the most popular product/item at your business/restaurant? Go-Karts
What is a Wyoming/Kentwood business you like to visit during your free time? Express Signs on 44th St. is a business that we use on a regular basis. On a personal note, nothing beats Marge’s Donut Den!
Hopes for 2021: We hope to see covid numbers and restrictions disappear so we can continue to host our customers. We hope to see the return of school field trips and corporate outings. Lastly, to continue to offer a safe, clean and fun space for guests to make memories!
