One of Iolas best-kept secrets the renovations going on at the Shannon Building on the courthouse square was unveiled Wednesday evening as Endless Summer, a family-style arcade center.
About 20 invited guests were given their first view of the entertainment venue that includes a snow cone dispensary, snack bar, video games and retro-style games such as foosball, skeeball, and a mechanical shark in keeping with the centers oceanside theme.
Endless Summer is the brainchild of newcomers John Hall and his son, Bo. The venue opens this afternoon.
Johns wife, Valorie Johnson-Hall, is a nurse anesthetist at Allen County Regional Hall.
John is a childrens book author who has worked extensively with Iolas Stephen Gilpin, an illustrator. Their collaborations include How to Get a Gorilla Out of Your Bathtub and Mickey Mc-Guffins Ear.
John is a native of Kansas City and Valorie of Wichita. The Halls purchased the building from Bob Hawk nearly two years ago.
We thought it would be cool to have a building overlooking the square, he said.
But the Halls had little idea of what to do with it.
That changed about six months ago, after a conversation with a local business leader, who said, Iola needs something, Hall said.
Thats when Bo who at 17 already has graduated from high school suggested a venue for family members of all ages.
We just knew Iola needed something, Hall said.
They came up with Endless Summer a dream that never grows old.
THE SNO-CONE dispensary at 20 W. Jackson Ave. the corner of Jackson and Washington avenues is accessible from inside or outside the building, courtesy of a walk-up window. Flavors include the standard cherry, tropical punch or banana. But for those who crave adventure, flavors with surfer-centric nicknames such as as wipeout or riptide, include an array of concoctions.
Heartier appetites can feast on hot dogs or nachos.
For those who venture inside, they are greeted with a décor replete with palm trees, thatch roofs and cool breezes.
IF YOURE in the mood to escape, youve come to the right place.
