J.R. and Heather Booker of Barnhart believe the opening of their new business, Boxed In Escape Rooms, at 102 E. Main St., in Festus will offer something unique to the region.
The business is set to open Friday, March 11, in the building where the Metro Office Supply and Hallmark Store operated for decades. The Bookers are renting the space and have adapted it to house two escape rooms.
J.R., 40, said he and his wife have visited escape rooms in St. Louis and St. Louis County and decided to bring one to Festus.
“We’re escape room hobbyists,” he said.
Heather, 35, said those who visit their business will have the chance to jump through a variety of mental hoops to “escape” a room.
While that may sound daunting to some, she said it’s a lot of fun for people of all ages.
“Our escape rooms are themed puzzle rooms. You have a theme and a mission to accomplish. The room is completely immersed and designed for the theme,” Heather said. “You have different riddles, puzzles and tasks you have to complete to finish your mission and escape the room.”
Heather said people are not really locked into the rooms, and they have one hour to complete the puzzles needed to “escape.”
“It’s not scary,” she said. “It’s all for fun.”
Heather said one of the two escape rooms has a nostalgic theme – a kid’s bedroom from the 1990s.
J.R. said the other room’s theme is “The Dinner Date Disaster.”
“You left your wallet at home. You have to figure out how to get out of the restaurant and find a way to pay your bill,” he said.
Both the Bookers said people will enjoy visiting Boxed In Escape Rooms.
“It’s a fun night out with friends,” J.R. said. “It’s really good for corporate events.”
“We’ll have birthday parties,” Heather added.
She said most people won’t find the puzzles, riddles and tasks overly taxing.
“We don’t make it insanely challenging,” she said. “We give clues.”
Participants work together to overcome the challenges.
“We suggest eight or less in a group (in a room),” Heather said. “Any more and it would start to get crowded.”
She said the base price to participate is $25 per person for a group of eight.
The price is higher per person for smaller groups.
The Bookers said they feel their business fits in well with others along Main Street in Festus and Bailey Road in Crystal City.
“I think coming down to Festus makes a great date night,” Heather said. “It’s got all the restaurants and all the character.”
The Bookers have hired some employees and will have a staff of five working at the business, Heather said.
Hours for Boxed In Escape Rooms are 4-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 4-11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 3-9 p.m. Sunday.
To book a room or for more information, visit boxedinescaperooms.com.