A massive, all-encompassing entertainment center is opening its doors just 30 minutes outside of Austin, right in time for summer temperatures. Hooky — so named after skipping school or work for something more fun — will open May 23 at 150 Alliance Blvd.
The center will include 12 full-length bowling lanes, a 5,500 square-foot interactive arcade, eight movie theaters including an IMAX theater, digital darts, two private event spaces, and an elevated food and drink program as well.
"Hopefully we get to change the meaning [of 'hooky'] a little bit, too," says President and CEO of Hooky, Charlie Tiantawach. "To mean more of a social connection place. That's really our focus — for people to get off their phones and really experience life together."
Tiantawach has a background in the food industry, but pivoted to the entertainment and hospitality side of things in 2019 when food delivery services were starting to change the landscape of restaurants. Tiatawach knows his stuff when it comes to food, and when he says Hooky's food is "amazing."
Unlike other entertainment centers where the food is all fried, Hooky seems to be offering a more upscale ("but still very affordable") menu. Dishes will be available throughout the venue, so guests can munch on their Texas Melt or grilled shrimp and quinoa while they're bowling or watching a movie.
Other delectable sounding menu items include elote fritters, Hooky Frito Pie, shrimp bites, a crispy chicken sandwich, classic concession favorites like popcorn, and for dessert, a key lime and raspberry pie.
The "Doctor's Note" cocktail is one of many reasons to play Hooky.Photo by Jesse Chacon
Additionally, a full bar including fun cocktails that lean into the venue's theme will be offered, like the "Doctor's Note" and "No Call, No Show."
"You can eat, enjoy a movie, and then you finish with the arcade. Or maybe you just come and have a really craft cocktail — which, the cocktails are amazing," says Tiantawach.
If Tiantawach were going to do just one thing at Hooky, he says he'd go for the virtual darts.
"I'm not even a dart person. But we have this dart wall that has a virtual projector, and projects the dartboard on there. You throw real darts at it, and the best part is, it keeps score for you," he says. "Which is amazing because if you don't play darts, you don't know how to score them."
Hooky's experiences are offered a la carte, so guests can show up and do as little or as much as they'd like. In addition to Hooky's regular bowling, arcade, and movie theater, the venue will be offering tons of community events like DJ and karaoke nights.
Managing all of this is GM, Jimmy McQuade who has years of experience in hospitality and spent over a decade with Disney. "I think he's gonna kill it," says Tiantawach.
This massive entertainment center brings Hutto movies, bowling, food, games, and more. Photo courtesy of Hooky
This Hutto location marks the very first of several Hooky venues set to open nationwide throughout the year.
“We are beyond thrilled to bring Hooky to the Hutto community,” says McQuade in a recent press release. “We’ve designed this space to be a fun, inviting destination for people of all ages to escape the everyday hustle and ‘play hooky.’"
