In episode 21 of the podcast, we're talking with David Wheeler, the founder and franchisor of Dragon's Lair.
Dragon's Lair in Austin, Texas is the original store location dating back to 1986. It is 10,700 sq. ft. After selling ownership of this location in 2015, David decided he wanted to help people open stores and utilize his contacts in the industry to help others succeed.
With a wide variety of interests and not wanting to remain a game store owner forever - having done so for more than 20 years - David intentionally wanted to change professions. In taking steps to become a franchisor, he didn't think he could simultaneously be a game store owner. However, he wanted to help prospective game store owners find locations, negotiate with landlords for leasing agreements, build out store design/layouts, and build a culture.
As of the release of this episode, Dragon's Lair has locations in Columbus, Ohio, Houston, Texas, two locations in San Antonio, Texas, along with the original Austin, Texas store. Additionally, David is working on opening a store in San Marcos, Texas. As long as the prospective franchisee is qualified, David is willing to open two new stores a year at most.
Each store averages about 10 employees except for the Austin store which has 18. A unique touch of each store is what David calls a "Lair Beast".
--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thematchslip/messageFinal Boss Games With Store Owner, Remington
Gamers Haunt With Store Owner, Charla
Brothers Grim Games With Store Owner, Gil
Meta-Games Unlimited With Store Owner, Allan Reid
The Enchanted Deck With Store Owner, Jon
Game Goblins With Store Owner, Josh Wilhelmi
OC Geeks & Games With Store Owner, La Donna
Dragon's Hoard With Store Owners Sherri and Zack
Dice City Games With Store Owner, Jimmy Cooney
Gamers Geekery & Tavern With Store Owner, Lance Shrader
Decks & Dice With Store Owner, Jared McKenzie
Atomic Empire With Store Owner, Jennifer Bedell
Games And Stuff With Store Owner, Paul Butler
Bill & Ogre's Games With Co-Owner, "Ogre"
Warpstorm Games & Lounge With Co-Owner, Antonio
Anubis Games & Hobby With Store Owner, Darnel Sonnier
Magnolia Gaming With Store Owner, Spencer Thomas
The Gathering Place With Store Owner, Josh Goodsell
Star City Games With Owner, Pete Hoefling
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Survival Horror Podcast
Classic Gaming Brothers
The Danger Club Podcast - A Pathfinder Podcast
Critical Role
Space Cats Peace Turtles