Today we’d like to introduce you to Edgar Rodriguez
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I will answer this question from two perspectives. The first will be the company’s story and the second will be my personal journey.
Game Show Battle Rooms was the brain child of David Sauer, Kevin Letnes and John Dockendorf, our three owners. The concept came about as an alternative form of entertainment to Escape Rooms. The first location opened in Minneapolis, MN in 2017. While not as robust as our current locations in 2024, the concept was a hit! Seizing the opportunity, the ownership team began to expand their idea to other suburban areas throughout the country such as: Kansas City, Indianapolis, Columbus, Cincinnati, St. Louis and more! At the time of publication of this article we have grown to have 14 locations throughout the country with several more to be opened in 2025 and beyond!
My personal journey is deeply rooted in the customer service industry. Upon completing college at Texas A&M University in 1999, I began my career as a small-scale entrepreneur in Louisville, KY by opening an inground pool and spa business. It thrived until 2008, when the economy took a turn for the worse and my customer base was unable to obtain the loans that they needed to afford these luxury items. I then shifted gears and went to work for Darden Restaurants, specifically the Red Lobster brand. I was a General Manager there for over a decade. During my time at Red Lobster, I acquired the drive to always place the guest experience as the number one driver of top-line results! I also learned the value of surrounding yourself with a diverse group of peers and employees in order to enhance the business and grow sales! In 2017, I went to work for Dave & Busters followed by a move to Texas with Top Golf in 2019. I continued in the food service/entertainment industry until the opportunity with Game Show Battle Rooms presented itself in March, 2024. I have been the General Manager of The Woodlands location officially since June, 2024.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Life and career growth always presents its challenges. I have been blessed to have a wonderful wife and 3 beautiful children. Work/life balance was always challenging working in the food/entertainment business as I worked when everyone else “played” for years. This resulted in missed memories with my family with nights, weekends and holidays being the primary days that I worked. Thankfully, they have always been supportive of my career and we have been able to make up for lost time over the last couple of years!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We are an immersive Game Show experience. If you have ever dreamt of what it would be like to be a contestant on your favorite game show, then this experience is for you! We have two, 1500 sq. ft studios complete with full-sized props, professional lighting and sound. We are specifically designed for groups of 6 or larger. Every event is 100% private, so you do not have to share the stage with random strangers. Each studio has its own, unique experience: Classic Showdowns brings a more nostalgic feel with puzzle-based games inspired by television favorites, while Primetime Showdowns is an action-packed feel with more movement and physical skills involved.
Our questions, puzzles and content are revised every two months leading to unique experiences throughout the year to visit our studios again and again!
We sell beer, wine, seltzer as well as nonalcoholic beverages. We also have catering partnerships with several of the local restaurants to provide a complete “one-stop-shop” experience for your group!
We are perfect for birthday parties (adult and child), bachelor/bachelorette parties, corporate team-builiding, sports team gatherings, family gatherings and much, much more!
Lastly, if your group logistically cannot make it into our studio, let us bring the experience to YOU! We have a mobile, Roadshow version of our shows that brings our full-sized props and professionally-trained performers to a venue of your choosing!
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
From a personal perspective, I am a sucker for a good romance movie and will also be the one in tears at any sentimental moment of any movie.
From a professional perspective, even though I have been in the people industry for over 26 years, I still get nervous when I am speaking to someone for the first time. I have just found a way to mask it as most of my coworkers see me as completely comfortable and calm.
Pricing:
- $34.95 per person for any show
- Beer, Wine Seltzer $6-$11 each
- Catering Packages from $20 per person and up
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gameshowbattlerooms.com/houston
- Instagram: gameshowbattlerooms_woodlands
- Facebook: Game Show Battle Rooms – Houston The Woodlands
