Monster Mini Golf: Reinventing Family Fun with Glow-in-the-Dark Excitement

Monster Mini Golf is a one-of-a-kind entertainment franchise that transforms the classic mini-golf concept into an immersive, glow-in-the-dark adventure. Launched in 2004 in Lafayette, Indiana, by Christina and Patrick Vitagliano, the brand has become known for its creatively designed courses that feature local-themed artwork, dynamic lighting, and an energetic ambiance.

Now headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island, Monster Mini Golf started franchising in 2006 and has since expanded to over 30 locations across the U.S. and Canada. Each venue offers more than just golf—it’s a full entertainment experience.

What sets Monster Mini Golf apart is its innovative fusion of mini-golf with interactive attractions like arcades, laser mazes, mini-bowling, and virtual reality games. This diverse offering appeals to all age groups, making it a popular choice for families, birthday celebrations, and group events.

Training

Monster Mini Golf provides multiple structured training programs to support its franchisees in successfully launching and operating their locations. These training programs are essential for ensuring the franchisee and their designated managers meet the brand's operational standards.

1. Initial Training Program
   Franchisees and their designated managers must complete an initial training program lasting approximately two and a half weeks. This training covers areas such as sales and marketing methods, financial controls, quality maintenance, customer service, record keeping, and operational procedures. The training may be conducted in-person or virtually, with in-person sessions held at the franchisor's headquarters or another designated location.
2. Opening Assistance
   Before the franchise opens, Monster Mini Golf provides 3 to 5 days of on-site support from an experienced representative. This individual assists with the setup and initial operation of the business, offering hands-on guidance and addressing operational questions. Additional assistance may be requested for a fee.
3. Ongoing Training
   The franchisor may also require participation in ongoing training, including refresher courses, re-trainings, and regional seminars. These are provided at no cost for the training itself, though travel and related expenses are borne by the franchisee. No more than two sessions, totaling five days annually, will be mandated.
4. New Manager Training
   If a new designated manager is appointed after the business begins operations, that individual must also complete the initial training program within 30 days. The franchisor may impose fees if such changes are frequent or due to poor hiring.

Territory Protection

Monster Mini Golf grants a defined Protected Territory to each franchisee, which offers a degree of territorial protection. This territory generally includes a geographic area with a minimum population of approximately 350,000 people, as determined using U.S. Census Bureau data. While the territory is protected from internal competition, the exact boundaries—whether by radius, streets, or zip codes—are specified in the franchise agreement.

Within this Protected Territory, the franchisor agrees not to establish or authorize another MONSTER MINI GOLF® location, nor operate a substantially similar business using the same trademarks.

However, outside this area, the franchisor retains full rights to operate or license others to run similar businesses, including under different trademarks. The franchisee also does not receive any exclusive rights beyond this protected zone and cannot claim compensation if customers are solicited or gained from within their territory by others through external channels like the internet.