(800) 949-0401 
Main Event Franchise Loan: The Complete Financing Guide for Main Event Entertainment Franchise Owners
Main Event Entertainment is one of the fastest-growing family entertainment center concepts in the United States, combining bowling, laser tag, arcade gaming, billiards, virtual reality, and a full-service restaurant under one roof. With locations spanning Texas, Florida, Colorado, Kansas, and beyond, Main Event has established itself as a destination for family gatherings, birthday parties, corporate events, and casual outings. For entrepreneurs seeking a high-traffic, experiential entertainment business, Main Event represents a compelling franchise opportunity.
But opening a Main Event franchise requires substantial capital. These are large-format entertainment centers, often ranging from 40,000 to 70,000 square feet, with complex buildout requirements, specialized gaming equipment, kitchen infrastructure, and technology systems. Understanding how to finance your Main Event investment is just as important as understanding the business itself. This guide covers everything you need to know about Main Event franchise costs, available loan types, SBA financing, qualification requirements, and how Crestmont Capital can help you secure the funding you need.
Whether you are exploring Main Event as a first-time franchise investor or adding to an existing portfolio, this complete financing guide will walk you through every step of the funding process with clarity and practical advice.
- What Is Main Event Entertainment?
- Main Event Franchise Costs and Investment Requirements
- Types of Financing Available for Main Event Owners
- How to Finance Your Main Event Franchise
- SBA Loans for Main Event Franchises
- How Crestmont Capital Helps Main Event Franchise Owners
- Who Qualifies for Main Event Franchise Financing?
- Real-World Financing Scenarios
- How to Get Started
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Main Event Entertainment?
Main Event Entertainment was founded in 1998 in Dallas, Texas, and has grown into one of the premier family entertainment center chains in the country. The concept sets itself apart from traditional entertainment venues by combining multiple activities into one large-scale location, giving guests a full evening's worth of entertainment options without leaving the building.
Each Main Event location typically features:
- Bowling lanes (typically 24 to 36 lanes per location)
- Laser tag arenas
- Multi-level arcade zones with hundreds of games
- Billiards and shuffleboard
- Virtual reality experiences
- Escape rooms and ropes courses (select locations)
- Full-service restaurant and bar
- Private event and party rooms
Main Event is owned by Dave & Buster's Entertainment, which acquired the brand in 2022, creating one of the largest entertainment-dining companies in the United States. This corporate backing provides franchisees with significant marketing support, technology infrastructure, and supply chain advantages. According to Reuters, the family entertainment center market continues to grow at a steady pace as consumers prioritize experiential spending over traditional retail.
The core target customer is families with children ages 4 to 18, but Main Event locations also draw young adults, corporate groups, and event planners. Weekend traffic and party bookings provide predictable revenue streams that make the business attractive to investors and lenders alike.
Ready to Finance Your Main Event Franchise?
Get fast, flexible financing from the #1 business lender in the U.S. No obligation - apply in minutes.
Apply Now →Main Event Franchise Costs and Investment Requirements
Main Event is a large-format entertainment concept, and the capital requirements reflect the scale of the operation. Unlike a food-service franchise or service-based business, Main Event centers require extensive real estate, specialized equipment, and substantial construction or tenant improvement costs.
Initial Investment Breakdown
Based on available franchise disclosure information and industry reporting, a Main Event entertainment center typically requires the following estimated investment:
- Initial Franchise Fee: $75,000 to $150,000
- Real Estate and Lease Deposits: $500,000 to $2,000,000 (depending on location and market)
- Construction and Tenant Improvements: $5,000,000 to $12,000,000
- Gaming and Entertainment Equipment: $3,000,000 to $7,000,000
- Kitchen Equipment and Restaurant Buildout: $500,000 to $1,500,000
- Technology, POS, and IT Systems: $300,000 to $700,000
- Furniture, Fixtures, and Decor: $500,000 to $1,500,000
- Working Capital (initial 6-12 months): $500,000 to $1,500,000
- Total Estimated Investment: $10,000,000 to $25,000,000+
These figures reflect Main Event's large-format concept. The economics of the business justify the investment through high per-visit revenue, premium party bookings, and strong food and beverage sales. According to Forbes, large entertainment centers can generate annual revenues of $8 million to $20 million or more per location in strong markets.
Ongoing Fees
- Royalty Fee: Typically 5% to 7% of gross revenues
- Marketing Fund Contribution: 1% to 2% of gross revenues
- Technology and System Fees: Negotiated per agreement
Minimum Requirements
Main Event franchisees are generally expected to demonstrate:
- Net worth of $5,000,000 or greater
- Liquid capital of $2,500,000 or more
- Experience in multi-unit operations, hospitality, or entertainment management
- Real estate expertise or strong local market relationships
Main Event Franchise: Investment at a Glance
Sources: Industry estimates, FDD data, public reporting. Investment figures are estimates and subject to change.
Types of Financing Available for Main Event Owners
Given the scale of a Main Event investment, no single loan product will typically cover the entire cost. Successful franchisees and their advisors build a layered financing structure that uses multiple loan types to cover different components of the investment. Here is a breakdown of the primary financing vehicles available to Main Event franchise investors:
1. SBA 7(a) Loans
The SBA 7(a) loan program is the most widely used financing tool for franchise businesses in the United States. SBA 7(a) loans can provide up to $5 million per loan, with terms up to 10 years for working capital and up to 25 years for real estate. Interest rates are tied to the prime rate plus a spread, making them among the most competitive available to small and mid-size business owners.
For a large-format entertainment center like Main Event, an SBA 7(a) loan is most commonly used to cover:
- Working capital for initial operations
- Soft costs and pre-opening expenses
- Franchise fees and licensing
- A portion of equipment costs
2. SBA 504 Loans
The SBA 504 loan program is designed specifically for major fixed asset purchases, including real estate and large equipment. It is structured as a partnership: a bank or credit union provides 50% of the total project cost, a Certified Development Company (CDC) funds 40%, and the borrower contributes a 10% down payment. This structure allows Main Event investors to access $5 million to $20 million or more in long-term, fixed-rate financing for their physical infrastructure and major equipment.
3. Equipment Financing
Gaming machines, bowling equipment, VR systems, laser tag infrastructure, kitchen equipment, and bar systems represent billions of dollars in specialized assets across the entertainment center industry. Equipment financing allows franchisees to borrow against the value of the equipment itself, often without requiring additional collateral. This preserves liquidity and allows the business to generate revenue from financed assets immediately upon opening.
Lenders specializing in entertainment and hospitality equipment understand the asset value and depreciation cycles of arcade machines, bowling lane systems, and virtual reality platforms. Approval can often be obtained within 24 to 48 hours for qualified borrowers.
4. Commercial Real Estate Loans
If you are purchasing rather than leasing your Main Event location, a commercial real estate loan or SBA 504 loan can provide the long-term financing needed to acquire the property. Commercial real estate terms typically range from 15 to 25 years, with either fixed or adjustable rates depending on the lender and loan structure.
5. Business Lines of Credit
A business line of credit provides revolving access to capital that you can draw on and repay as needed. For established Main Event franchisees, a line of credit is an essential tool for managing seasonal revenue fluctuations, covering unexpected maintenance costs on equipment, or funding marketing campaigns ahead of peak seasons.
6. Private Equity and Institutional Financing
Given the scale of Main Event investments, many franchisees also explore private equity partnerships, institutional debt financing, or real estate investment structures. These arrangements can layer on top of SBA and bank financing to provide the total capital stack needed for a major entertainment center development.
Most successful large-format entertainment center developers use a combination of SBA 504 loans (for real estate and major equipment), conventional equipment financing, and a working capital line of credit. Crestmont Capital specializes in helping clients build these multi-product financing packages efficiently.
How to Finance Your Main Event Franchise
Financing a Main Event franchise requires a strategic approach that accounts for the size of the investment, the timeline from approval to opening, and the need to maintain liquidity throughout the pre-opening phase. Here is how to approach the process step by step:
Step 1: Define Your Capital Stack
Before approaching any lender, map out all components of your investment. How much do you need for real estate? Construction and tenant improvements? Equipment? Working capital? Knowing the full picture allows you to structure your financing requests appropriately and avoid surprises during underwriting.
Step 2: Assess Your Personal Financial Profile
Lenders for large-format franchise investments will thoroughly evaluate your personal financial history. You should know your credit score, liquid assets, net worth, other business interests, and personal debt obligations before beginning the application process.
Step 3: Prepare Your Business Plan and Financial Projections
For any SBA loan or commercial real estate financing, you will need a detailed business plan that includes multi-year revenue projections, labor and operating cost forecasts, and a break-even analysis. This document demonstrates to lenders that you understand the economics of the Main Event business model and have a credible path to profitability.
Step 4: Engage Specialized Franchise Lenders Early
Franchise financing is a specialized field. Working with a lender who understands the entertainment center industry, franchise structures, and SBA procedures will dramatically improve your approval odds and reduce your time to funding. Crestmont Capital's team has extensive experience with large-format entertainment franchise financing and can help structure your financing package from day one.
Step 5: Secure Pre-Approval Before Finalizing Your Franchise Agreement
Entering into a franchise agreement before securing financing creates unnecessary risk. Work with your lender to obtain a letter of intent or conditional pre-approval before signing with Main Event. This protects your investment and ensures you do not commit to a timeline you cannot meet.
Ready to Finance Your Main Event Franchise?
Get fast, flexible financing from the #1 business lender in the U.S. No obligation - apply in minutes.
Apply Now →SBA Loans for Main Event Franchises
SBA loans are the backbone of franchise financing in the United States. According to the SBA, the agency backed more than $40 billion in loans to small businesses in fiscal year 2024, with franchise businesses representing a significant portion of those approvals. For Main Event, which operates as a recognized brand with a proven business model, SBA financing is particularly accessible.
SBA 7(a) Loans for Main Event
The SBA 7(a) program offers:
- Loan amounts up to $5 million per loan
- Repayment terms up to 10 years (working capital) or 25 years (real estate)
- Down payments as low as 10%
- Competitive interest rates (Prime + 2.75% to 3.75% as of 2024)
- No prepayment penalties on loans under 15 years
For a Main Event investment, a borrower might use multiple SBA 7(a) loans to cover different components, or combine a 7(a) with a 504 for the optimal capital structure.
SBA 504 Loans for Main Event
The SBA 504 program is specifically designed for the types of large fixed-asset purchases that define a Main Event buildout:
- Real estate acquisition or major renovation
- Large machinery and equipment purchases
- Significant leasehold improvements
The 504 program offers fixed interest rates for the CDC portion (40% of the project), providing long-term payment predictability that is especially valuable for the large, multi-year investment horizon of an entertainment center franchise.
SBA Loan Requirements for Main Event Applicants
- Personal credit score: 680 or higher (720+ strongly preferred for large loans)
- Net worth: $5 million or greater
- Liquid capital: $2.5 million or more
- Clean business and personal financial history
- Completed franchise agreement or binding LOI from Main Event
- Two to three years of personal tax returns
- Detailed business plan with financial projections
- Personal financial statement (SBA Form 413)
Crestmont Capital works with a nationwide network of SBA-preferred lenders and can match you with the right institution for your specific situation. Our SBA specialists handle the packaging and submission process to maximize approval speed and minimize complications.
SBA Loan Timeline
For large franchise investments like Main Event, SBA loan timelines vary based on the complexity of the project and the lender. A standard SBA 7(a) loan for a franchise typically takes 45 to 90 days from application to funding. Working with an experienced SBA intermediary like Crestmont Capital can compress this timeline significantly.
Main Event may already be listed in the SBA Franchise Registry, which streamlines the lender's review of the franchise agreement and can accelerate approval timelines. Contact Crestmont Capital to confirm registry status and structuring options for your specific deal.
How Crestmont Capital Helps Main Event Franchise Owners
Crestmont Capital is a nationally recognized small business lender with deep expertise in franchise financing. Our team has helped hundreds of franchise investors across all sectors access capital quickly and efficiently. For Main Event candidates, we offer a comprehensive range of financing solutions tailored to the unique requirements of large-format entertainment center developments.
What We Offer
- SBA 7(a) Loans: We package and submit SBA loan applications through our preferred lender network, matching you with the institution best suited to your deal size and profile.
- SBA 504 Loans: For real estate and major equipment, we coordinate with Certified Development Companies to build and submit 504 loan packages.
- Equipment Financing: We arrange dedicated equipment loans for arcade systems, bowling equipment, kitchen assets, and technology infrastructure - often with approval in 48 hours or less.
- Working Capital: Once your location is open, we provide working capital loans and lines of credit to support operations, marketing, and expansion.
- Multi-Unit Expansion: Established Main Event franchisees can access expansion financing to develop additional locations or upgrade existing facilities.
Our Process
- Initial Consultation: We review your investment plan, financial profile, and timeline to identify the optimal financing strategy.
- Pre-Qualification: We provide a preliminary assessment of your borrowing capacity and likely loan terms before you invest significant time in documentation.
- Document Preparation: Our team guides you through the documentation process, ensuring your application package is complete and compelling.
- Lender Matching: We match your deal with the right lender or combination of lenders from our nationwide network.
- Submission and Follow-Through: We manage the submission, underwriting communication, and closing process from start to finish.
You can also explore our guides for similar large-format entertainment and franchise investments, including the Urban Air Adventure Park Franchise Loan guide and the Sky Zone Franchise Loan guide for additional perspective on entertainment center franchise financing.
Who Qualifies for Main Event Franchise Financing?
Because Main Event is a large-format, capital-intensive franchise, the qualification bar for financing is higher than for smaller service or food franchise brands. Lenders and the franchisor both look for candidates with substantial financial capacity and operational experience. Here is what matters most:
Credit Profile
For SBA loans at the scale required for a Main Event investment, most lenders require a personal credit score of at least 680, with 720 or higher preferred for projects over $5 million. Derogatory items such as recent bankruptcies, significant collections, or chronic late payments can disqualify applicants or substantially increase borrowing costs.
Net Worth and Liquidity
Lenders for large entertainment center projects typically want to see a net worth of $5 million or more and liquid capital (cash and readily marketable securities) of at least $2.5 million. This demonstrates that you have the resources to sustain the business through its pre-opening and ramp-up phases without depending entirely on loan proceeds.
Business and Industry Experience
Main Event and its lenders look for candidates with documented experience in multi-unit operations, hospitality management, real estate development, or entertainment industry backgrounds. This experience reduces perceived risk and demonstrates an understanding of the operational complexity of running a large entertainment center.
Real Estate Capability
Identifying and securing the right real estate for a Main Event is a critical competency. Lenders want to see that you have experience with commercial real estate transactions, existing relationships with commercial landlords or developers, or a demonstrated history of successful site selection in similar ventures.
Legal and Corporate Structure
Most institutional lenders for large franchise investments require the borrower to operate through a properly structured limited liability company (LLC) or corporation. Having clean corporate structure, appropriate insurance coverage, and clear ownership documentation streamlines the underwriting process significantly.
According to CNBC, the family entertainment center segment continues to attract institutional investment because of strong unit economics and the experiential consumption trend among both families and young adults. Lenders with experience in this sector understand the business model and its long-term revenue potential.
Real-World Financing Scenarios for Main Event Investors
Understanding abstract financing concepts is easier when you see how they apply to real situations. Here are three representative scenarios illustrating how Main Event franchise financing might be structured:
Scenario 1: The First-Time Entertainment Center Developer
A business executive with a net worth of $8 million and $3 million in liquid capital decides to develop his first Main Event franchise in a suburban market. Total project cost is estimated at $16 million, including real estate purchase, construction, equipment, and working capital.
Financing structure:
- SBA 504 Loan (real estate and major equipment): $9,600,000 (bank: $8,000,000, CDC: $6,400,000, equity: $1,600,000)
- Equipment financing (gaming systems, bowling equipment): $2,500,000
- Working capital SBA 7(a) loan: $1,000,000
- Personal equity contribution: $2,900,000
Scenario 2: The Multi-Unit Operator Expanding
An experienced multi-unit restaurant operator who owns three successful franchise locations decides to diversify into Main Event. Her existing business generates $4 million annually. She has a net worth of $12 million and $4 million in liquid capital.
Financing structure:
- SBA 504 Loan (building and major infrastructure): $12,000,000
- Equipment financing (specialized entertainment equipment): $3,500,000
- Existing business assets used as additional collateral
- Personal equity contribution: $3,000,000
Scenario 3: Private Equity Co-Investment
A developer partners with a private equity group to fund a Main Event location in a high-density metro area. The PE firm provides 30% of the equity, the developer contributes 20%, and SBA and bank debt cover the remaining 50%.
This layered structure is increasingly common for large entertainment center projects where even well-capitalized individual investors benefit from institutional equity co-investment to manage personal concentration risk.
How to Get Started with Main Event Franchise Financing
Your Step-by-Step Financing Roadmap
- Confirm your financial readiness. Review your credit score, liquid capital, net worth, and existing liabilities. Ensure you meet the minimum thresholds before engaging Main Event or any lender.
- Request the Main Event FDD. The Franchise Disclosure Document contains Item 7 (estimated investment) and Item 19 (financial performance representations). Study these carefully before committing to any financing conversations.
- Identify your site and real estate structure. Whether you are purchasing, ground leasing, or net leasing, your real estate arrangement shapes the entire financing structure.
- Contact Crestmont Capital for a consultation. Our franchise financing specialists will review your investment plan, assess your financing options, and build a customized capital structure recommendation at no obligation.
- Prepare your documentation package. Gather three years of personal tax returns, personal financial statements, a business plan with projections, a resume, and any relevant real estate documentation.
- Submit your application. Crestmont Capital manages the submission to appropriate lenders and handles the underwriting communication on your behalf.
- Close and fund. Once approved, your lender will coordinate closing documentation and fund your account in accordance with your development timeline.
Ready to Finance Your Main Event Franchise?
Get fast, flexible financing from the #1 business lender in the U.S. No obligation - apply in minutes.
Apply Now →Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Main Event franchise cost?
A Main Event franchise typically requires a total initial investment of $10 million to $25 million or more, depending on location, real estate costs, construction requirements, and market conditions. The investment covers real estate or leasehold improvements, gaming and entertainment equipment, kitchen infrastructure, technology systems, furniture and fixtures, and working capital for initial operations.
Can I get an SBA loan for a Main Event franchise?
Yes. SBA 7(a) and SBA 504 loans are available for Main Event franchise investments. SBA 504 loans are particularly well-suited for the large real estate and equipment purchases involved in building a Main Event location. A 7(a) loan can cover working capital, franchise fees, and smaller equipment needs. Because of the large investment size, most Main Event projects use a combination of SBA and conventional lending.
What credit score do I need to finance a Main Event franchise?
For large-format franchise investments like Main Event, most SBA and commercial lenders require a personal credit score of at least 680, with 720 or higher preferred for deals exceeding $5 million. A strong credit profile signals financial responsibility and reduces lender risk perception, which translates to better interest rates and terms.
How much liquid capital do I need to invest in a Main Event franchise?
Main Event generally requires prospective franchisees to demonstrate at least $2.5 million in liquid capital. Combined with a net worth of $5 million or more, this demonstrates the financial capacity to fund the equity portion of the investment, sustain initial operations, and absorb unexpected costs during the development phase.
What is the royalty structure for Main Event franchisees?
Main Event franchisees typically pay royalties of 5% to 7% of gross revenues, plus a marketing fund contribution of approximately 1% to 2%. These fees are in addition to your debt service on any financing obtained. Your business plan and financial projections should account for these ongoing fee obligations when modeling profitability.
Can I use equipment financing for Main Event gaming systems?
Yes. Equipment financing is one of the most efficient tools for covering arcade systems, bowling lane equipment, laser tag infrastructure, VR platforms, and kitchen appliances. The equipment serves as its own collateral, often enabling approval without additional personal or real estate collateral. Dedicated equipment financing can also be approved much faster than SBA loans, sometimes in 24 to 48 hours.
What is Main Event's connection to Dave and Buster's?
Dave and Buster's Entertainment acquired Main Event in 2022, creating one of the largest entertainment-dining companies in the United States. This corporate backing provides Main Event franchisees with stronger brand recognition, improved supply chain relationships, and greater marketing resources. For lenders, Dave and Buster's institutional backing can be viewed as a positive factor in the credit decision.
How long does it take to get financing for a Main Event franchise?
Timeline varies by loan type and deal complexity. Equipment financing can often be approved in 24 to 72 hours. SBA 7(a) loans typically take 45 to 90 days from application to funding. SBA 504 loans, which involve both a bank and a CDC, typically take 60 to 120 days. Preparing complete documentation in advance and working with an experienced lender like Crestmont Capital can compress these timelines significantly.
What documents do I need to apply for a Main Event franchise loan?
For SBA and commercial loans, you will typically need three years of personal tax returns, a personal financial statement, bank and investment account statements, a detailed business plan with financial projections, a resume outlining relevant experience, a copy of your franchise agreement or letter of intent from Main Event, and documentation of your real estate arrangement.
Can I use a business line of credit for my Main Event franchise?
A business line of credit is most useful once your Main Event franchise is open and generating consistent revenue. It provides revolving access to capital for managing seasonal cash flow variations, covering marketing campaigns before peak periods, handling equipment maintenance costs, and funding targeted improvements. Lines of credit are not typically used as a primary source of startup or construction capital given their higher cost structure relative to SBA and commercial term loans.
Is Main Event a good franchise investment?
Main Event operates in the growing family entertainment center sector, which benefits from the experiential spending trend and consistent demand for family-friendly activities. Locations in strong suburban markets with good demographics typically generate $8 million to $20 million or more in annual revenues. However, the high capital requirements and operational complexity mean this is best suited for experienced investors with substantial financial capacity and relevant operational background.
Does Crestmont Capital work with Main Event franchisees?
Yes. Crestmont Capital specializes in franchise financing across all sectors, including large-format entertainment center concepts like Main Event. We work with franchisees at every stage from pre-development financing to operating capital to multi-unit expansion. Our team can structure SBA loans, equipment financing, and working capital solutions tailored to the specific needs of Main Event investors.
What states have Main Event Entertainment locations?
Main Event currently operates locations across multiple states including Texas, Florida, Colorado, Kansas, North Carolina, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Tennessee, Ohio, and Virginia. The brand continues to expand in suburban markets with strong family demographics. Prospective franchisees should consult with Main Event directly about available territory opportunities in target markets.
Can I use bad credit business loans for a Main Event franchise?
Given the scale of a Main Event investment and the minimum credit requirements set by SBA lenders and the franchisor, traditional bad credit business loan products are generally not appropriate for this type of investment. Applicants with credit challenges should work to improve their credit profile before pursuing a large franchise investment. Crestmont Capital can provide guidance on credit improvement strategies for serious franchise candidates.
What financing options exist for existing Main Event franchisees looking to expand?
Established Main Event franchisees with a proven operational track record have access to expansion financing through SBA loans, commercial real estate loans, and equipment financing for additional locations. Existing business cash flow and asset base can serve as collateral and strengthen loan applications for new development. Crestmont Capital specializes in multi-unit franchise expansion financing and can help structure the most efficient capital solution for your growth plans.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general educational purposes only and is not financial, legal, or tax advice. Funding terms, qualifications, and product availability may vary and are subject to change without notice. Crestmont Capital does not guarantee approval, rates, or specific outcomes. For personalized information about your business funding options, contact our team directly.
