A new wave of enthusiasm for the 36-year-old Shops at Rivercenter is injecting the mall with new vibrancy. As CultureMap previously reported, Australian hospitality company Funlab sees the once-popular shopping destination as a fairway to stateside expansion. A release reveals that the company will open its first San Antonio project, Holey Moley Mini Golf Club, in early December.
The massive 12,000-square-foot facility is a far cry from the putt-putt courses of midcentury America. Holey Moley boasts three courses with 27 holes, two karaoke rooms, and a riverside patio. Late-century decor and neon signs will play to the nostalgia embedded in the social media age.
The Caddyshack bar and restaurant follows suit, nodding to the 1980 Chevy Chase vehicle. Though preliminary details are slim, the concept will have a full cocktail program with boozy and zero-proof slushies. The release describes the food as "from-scratch Americana-inspired fare with a Texas twist." At the Houston location, that translates to pizzas, burgers, fried appetizers, and Tex-Mex-inspired specialties like elote corn ribs.
Although Funlab is keeping mum about many of the details of Holey Moley, it does fit neatly into the rising trend towards family entertainment centers, seen locally in the rise of newer destinations like Pinstack.
"Holey Moley is more than just a mini golf course — it's an unforgettable adventure," says Funlab's Global CEO Michael Schreibe via a release. "Whether you're a fan of the '80s and '90s or exploring these vibes for the first time, we are here to help you step out of the digital era and into an analog world of friendly competition and irreverent fun!"
That enthusiasm also dovetails with Ashkenazy Acquisition Corp.'s strategy to transform the Shops at Rivercenter from a well-worn retail space into a flashy entertainment hub. The firm has had some luck with that goal within and around the property. Over the last 24 months, the area around the mall has attracted Spanish jamón purveyor Enrique Tomas Experience and Kardashian photo-op spot Sugar Factory American Brasserie.
Even more projects are in the works. Homegrown chef Jason Dady is reimagining Rivercenter's food court into Mexico Ceaty, a project combining cuisine and arts. The website for Latin American entrepreneur Jorge Cueva, aka Mr. Tempo, promises a King & Queen Cantina will also settle into the mall.
Although the release does not share a firm opening date, pre-booking on the website shows available slots to visit Holey Moley as early as December 6. More information and booking links are available at holeymoley.com.
Rendering courtesy of Holey Moley
Holey Moley is opening in early December.
