Owners close to finishing their new entertainment center

May 2—Ricky Dean’s, an entertainment facility aiming to provide fun experiences for all ages, is gearing up to open its doors before the end of the month, just in time for summer.

Joe Lane, the co-owner at Ricky Dean’s located at 3620 North Village Drive, says the new facility offers a variety of family activities.

Lane explained that they have an 18-hole black-light mini-golf course with a Key West theme. We have five pitching machine that can throw fast-pitch, slow-pitch, and baseballs. They are all computerized. The computer can strike out a player while the coach, mom or dad are behind the player.

The fun doesn’t stop here. The center includes outdoor activities, pickleball and virtual reality rides.

Lane explained, “We have bumper boats with a huge fountain.” We’ll have ten bumper boats that fire water cannons in each other. The 35-foot tower has six climbing lanes, a self-guided system of belaying and six climbing lanes.

Ricky Dean’s will offer a variety of food and beverage options in addition to the entertainment.

Lane explained, “We have both a bar and a barbecue.” “We will have lots of great food available.” Every week we’ll be bringing gelato from Italy, and an outdoor pizza oven is on its way.

Lane is not new to the entertainment business. Lane, Rick Gilmore and his wife own Joe Town Mini Golf as well as Joe Town Speedway and Cool Crest Mini Golf.

Ricky Dean’s is the name of their latest venture. Rick Gilmore is Lane’s in-law and co-owner.

Lane explained, “We began construction about a month ago in order to reach this point.” “We are really excited. Rick has been general contractor for the project, getting everyone on site and getting things done with many small changes along the way.

Lane said the family’s main goal is to increase entertainment options in St. Joseph.

Lane stated, “I wanted a place for people to go and have some fun.” “I thought that St. Joe was in need of this.” There are not enough activities for kids, but even adults want to have a good time. “I thought anyone can have fun here at Ricky Dean’s.”

Lane hopes Ricky Dean’s will bring a sense of fun to the neighborhood.

Lane stated, “Rick, myself and my spouse love to bring amazing things to St. Joe.” “St. Joe deserves it. There are more activities we need to do and this is a great place, especially Cup of Joe’s and Ricky Deans. It is a good way to get people’s attention. “They’re pulling off the interstate, and when they see this, they’ll be like, Wow, St. Joe has a lot of things to offer.”

Sara Rooney is available at [email protected].