Family fun at Hot Shots

The operative word at Hot Shots Family Entertainment Center is fun. And owner Jeff Schott knows that word may mean something different to each member of the family.
    For mom, it might be relaxing in the shade with an iced latte while the kids blast each other with water from the bumper boats. Dad could enjoy a competitive round of mini-golf, rewarded by a cold beer. Teenagers like to flock to the arcade room, swapping video games with mouthfuls of pizza.
    "We’re a place where people can come out and make some memories in a safe environment," said Hot Shots owner Jeff Schott. "What we have here is something every generation can enjoy."
    Absorbing the many sights, sounds and tastes at Hot Shots, it’s hard to believe the place was established just a little more than four years ago.
    "I thought the lake had a lot of potential for growth. My original plan was to just do a mini-golf family place along [Virginia] 122, where it could be seen from the main drag. The goal was simple, easy, somewhere families could have fun," said Schott, whose restaurant now serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and offers a coffee bar.
    So Schott, along with his wife, Rhonda, purchased a piece of property just south of Westlake Corner and transformed it into an amusement location complete with mini-golf, a casual eatery and pool for bumper boats. Each year, the Schotts add new attractions and services to entice customers.
    "Every November, Rhonda and I go to the International Amusement Attractions Expo to scout new ideas," said Schott, who recently added a cannonball air blaster and a water roller – a large, clear inflatable for the pool that works like a human hamster ball.
    "Now we have four different outdoor attractions." said Schott.
Though Hot Shots thrives in the summer months, off-season amusement is just as important to the business’ success, he said.
    "The original idea was to be a seasonal business, do well enough during the summer that we could close for the rest of the year," he said. "That first year we realized we weren’t going to be able to shut down in the winter and re-open in the spring. We started offering food delivery and broadening our food services because that seems to be where a lot of our potential has been. We have catering now, a full coffee bar, and folks can eat well and inexpensively here or by delivery."
    Facing the challenges of the off-season with strategic seasonal entertainment options and events has helped Hot Shots stay afloat and provide year-round amusement for the lake community.
    "We aren’t just a summer destination," Schott said. "All year there is Wii bowling, arcade games. Folks can come have a beer, shoot some pool. We have a very loyal local following - we try to treat everybody like our family."
    Supporting the community is a high priority for the Schotts. Over the past year, the business has helped local charities raise more than $20,000. Businesses also use the mini-golf course to host corporate events in the off-season.
    "We do a Halloween golf trail during October where companies can sponsor a golf hole and decorate it," said Schott. "On the Friday before Halloween, someone from the company stands at each golf hole while tons of kids play. Last year, we had about 325 kids that came. It’s the most fun we have all year."
    Schott said he is continually pursuing his ultimate goal for Hot Shots: "My vision is that we [will] have a place that can handle all kinds of groups. I would really like to see a group of some kind come in every day from the start of May through the summer."


Want to Go?

Hot Shots Family Entertainment Center

Address: 67 Village View Lane, Moneta

Phone: 540.719.1547

Website: smlhotshots.com

Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday-Saturday 8 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m.-7 p.m. In-season, Hot Shots is open daily 8 a.m.-10 p.m.

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