Business spotlight: Antioch's Paradise Skate offers something for the whole family

By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times

Name of Business: Paradise Skate

Type of business: Skating rink

Owner: Jeff Warrenburg

Founded: Warrenburg purchased Paradise Skate in 2008, previously called Roller Haven

Address: 1201 W. 10th St., Antioch

Phone number: 925-779-0200

Hours: Public Skating: Sunday noon to 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday 3 to 5:30 p.m.; Friday special sessions 4 to 6:30 p.m.; 6 to 8:30 p.m. and 8:30 to 11 p.m.; Saturday noon to 2:30 p.m.; 3 to 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 to 11 p.m. Additional summer sessions Wednesday through Friday 1 to 3:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday reserved for private skating and parties only.

Number of employees: During busy season, which Warrenburg said is winter, there are anywhere from 10 to 15 employees.

Products and services: Paradise Skate holds several skating session times each week. Each skating session includes time on the rink and skate rental. In-line skates can be rented at an additional fee. The skating rink is also available for private parties and fundraisers. Paradise Skate also includes a full-service snack bar and video games.

"While children are enjoying the skating facilities, parents can use the free Wi-Fi service and big-screen sports," Warrenburg said.

There is also a pro-shop on the premises where skates are for sale.

How did you get into the business: In 1999, Warrenburg worked for Roadway Express and did a lot of volunteer work for a East Bay festival were he met a gentleman who owned Pixieland Fun Park in Concord. The owner wished to sell, and the timing was right for Warrenburg to purchase. He sold Pixieland around the same time as he opened Golf and Games in Antioch in 2004.

In 2006 he opened Antioch Paint Ball, which is located in the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds. In the same year he opened two video arcades, one in Hilltop Mall in Richmond and another in Somersville Towne Center in Antioch.

In 2008 Roller Haven, a 42-year-old roller rink located at the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds, came up for sale and he purchased that. He changed the name to Paradise Skate and brought in a tropical theme.

Best part about the business?: "I really enjoy seeing families come out and enjoy themselves," Warrenburg said. He said that there are a lot of families out skating now that they are staying closer to home due to the economy.

Having free Wi-Fi and a sports big-screen TV adds to bringing the family to Paradise Skate, he said. Warrenburg also enjoys having the younger teens out on Friday nights. They come to skate and watch the large video screen music videos. On Saturday nights the older teens enjoy hip-hop music.

Keys to success: Warrenburg said he enjoys giving back to the community. It is important to him to help churches and schools where ever he can.

Biggest misperception about the business: Many people may remember that during the rainy season, Roller Haven had a large problem with flooding in the building. Warrenburg said that the wood floors didn't fair well. Recently he was finally able to complete the renovations on the skating rink floor and now has a new weather-resistant, plastic-type flooring.

"It won't get damaged by the rain," he said.

Future plans: Warrenburg has been steadily building his entertainment business over the past decade. He said right now he is doing well because people are staying closer to home and doing more things locally due to the economy. He is hoping to ride out the economic downturn and keep things status quo for a while.

He is hoping to open Paradise Skate for rentals from those who want to host private lessons, club activities or exercise classes.

In June Paradise Skate was the location for a Roller Derby, featuring the Undead Bettys, a local roller derby team from Antioch. He said that he hopes to put two such shows on next year.

— Roni Gehlke