This is "Actual Factual Gwinnett," a regular column in which Tyler Estep answers reader questions about Gwinnett happenings and history. Read previous editions — like this one confirming the pending arrival of Gwinnett's first Cook Out — by clicking the hyperlinks at the bottom of this column, where you'll also find information for submitting your own questions. Enjoy!
Get dem bowling shoes ready, folks.
Reader Kamaria writes: "What are they building behind the new McDonald's and Starbucks on Lawrenceville-Suwanee in Suwanee?"
Love your name, Kamaria. And your question, too.
I'm assuming you're talking about the big ol' building on Northolt Parkway, just off Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road near the Lowe's, that's currently just a huge chunk of concrete (see photo).
Well, that huge chunk of concrete will eventually be home to Gwinnett's very first Main Event Entertainment location — an "eatertainment" spot that comes complete with bowling, multi-level laser tag, arcade games, billiards, a couple restaurants and a bar. A different kind of Dave & Buster's, basically. Other offerings like "gravity ropes" (whatever they are), rock climbing, mini golf, karaoke (!) and ziplining are also available at "select locations."
D&B similarities or not, Main Event bills itself as the "fastest-growing bowling-anchored entertainment center in America," and it has semi-recently opened venues in Alpharetta and "Atlanta" (just ITP on Cobb Parkway). Its locations across the country (Texas, Arizona, Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee) range from a whopping 48,000 square feet to an even more whopping 75,000 square feet.
According to info on the city of Suwanee's website, the new Suwanee location will fall in the neighborhood of 50,000.
Suwanee officials believe the project could be completed by this fall but, judging by the building's current state, it may be a little while yet. That said, they're at least far enough along for Main Event to put job listings on its website.
You, Kamaria, could be an "hourly employee" or a "technician" or a "field manager" — as long as you don't have "flamboyant" hair or "visible tattoos."
Oh, and on a semi-related note: Check out this map the city of Suwanee made showing a few other projects going on around town.
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I, Tyler Estep, am a staff writer with the AJC and a Gwinnett County native. To submit “Actual Factual Gwinnett” questions, contact me at tyler.estep@coxinc.com, @ByTylerEstep on Twitter or via the form below.
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