A One Of A Kind Roller Skating Rink Is Opening Up In One Major US City
Ride On is an adults-only roller skating rink, opening in Dallas, Texas, that will combine 80s nostalgia with modern, high-tech audio and visual experiences.
This fall, adults near the Dallas Design District in Texas will have a whole new way to have fun. Ride On is an adults-only roller skating rink that will combine 80s nostalgia with modern, high-tech audio and visual experiences. Like classic skating rinks, it will include an arcade, but it elevates the snack bar concept to a real restaurant serving chef-curated cuisine, craft cocktails, and mocktails.
Dubbed a “social drink rink,” Ride On is an all-new roller skating rink design concept created for a grown-up generation of skating enthusiasts. Adrian Verdin, Chief Executive Officer of On Brand Hospitality, wanted to upgrade the outdated reputation of the roller skating rink. “We can say there is nothing like this in the world. Trust me, we’ve checked,” Verdin said in a statement.
Vyctoria (Torry) Cray, On Brand’s Chief Operating Officer, compared Ride On’s new concept to the way bowling alleys have been updated in recent years. “Adrian realized that while bowling alleys had evolved, roller rinks had not,” Cray said. “This inspired him to dive deep into the world of roller rinks and develop RIDE ON, the modern-day evolution of the classic roller rink.”
Verdin and Cray say the new entertainment venue will span more than 17,000 square feet, with the roller skating rink itself occupying 7,000 square feet. It will boast a 1980s cyberpunk atmosphere, with a disco ball DJ booth in the center. Skaters of all levels will move to the beat of state-of-the-art sound systems.
The owners hope the experience will transport guests back to the iconic 80s in the best way possible. “Designing this concept together has been so fun,” Verdin said. “It has been inspiring to pull memories from my childhood and Torry’s background and upbringing in nightlife and bring them together to create a new experience for people our age. We can’t wait to show everyone what our take is on a contemporary roller rink.”
In addition to revolutionizing the roller skating rink experience, Cray and Verdin want the venue to be a place where every adult feels welcome, regardless of skating ability. But those who are serious about skating will be able to rent roller skates custom-made for Ride On. The company has not specified what makes them different from skates at other roller skating rinks, but no doubt they will incorporate Ride On’s signature style.
Roller skating regained popularity during the pandemic as people turned to nostalgic pastimes to stay entertained. Social media platforms including Instagram and TikTok have continued to fuel interest with videos of talented hip-hop skaters showing off complicated moves. Old-school dance skaters have returned to roller skating rink locations around the country to perform to classic R&B and 80s songs.
Ride On hopes to attract new and seasoned skaters, but one rule is steadfast: no children allowed. Guests are encouraged to wear protective gear, like knee and elbow pads, but it won’t be required. Ride On will be located at the corner of Pittsburg Street and Riverfront Boulevard, next door to Texas Ale Project, a popular craft brewery.
Verdin and Cray merged their creativity and industry experience when they launched On Brand Hospitality about a year ago. Initially, the duo offered consulting services to others in the restaurant and entertainment industry. Cray is perhaps best known for her role at the retro-chic Statler Hotel where she managed all food and beverage operations for several years as Vice President of Operations.
Verdin is known in the Dallas area for his other successful transformations of ordinary dining experiences. He has served as an operating partner with Jaxon Beer Garden since 2020. He is also a co-founder and managing partner of Bar Draught, the first turnkey cocktail draft program used at Sea World, Whole Foods, The American Airlines Center and select hotels.
