Starting a new business is never easy, but investing 4.2 million euros during a pandemic is something else. Yet, that’s exactly what Cyril Parenna did when opening Hall U Need, a new concept of family entertainment center (FEC).
The new indoor, multi-leisure space in Saint-André-Lez-Lille, France is inspired by North American FEC’s, but features touches that are truly French. Hall U Need combines a restaurant/bar with 500 seats, activities to entertain people of all ages, and spaces to relax—and work! For those tied to their businesses, the FEC offers workstations to work remotely. With a capacity of 1,650 people spread across 7,000 square meters, the new FEC is one of the largest indoor leisure complexes in France (and ranks as one of the largest food and beverage [F&B] locations in the metropolis of Lille). IAAPA is proud to support Parenna’s vision and celebrate Hall U Need’s grand opening alongside the founder and CEO.
Parenna joined IAAPA in 2016. His Hall U Need concept took shape after many days (and nights) of reflection, encounters, and plans made … only several of which were later undone. All he needed was a perfect location to bring the concept to life; Parenna found it inside an old textile factory. The name Hall U Need comes from the acronym of Now-Enjoy-Eat-Drink and serves as a reminder of the mythical Beatles song, "All You Need is Love.”
The FEC invites an intergenerational clientele to experience great moments full of emotion and sharing by taking advantage of a wide choice of activities: bowling, karaoke, interactive games, a VR arena, a children's play area, along with the restaurant and bar. Even the workspaces designed for those traveling on business or working remotely provide a creative environment sure to invigorate the workday. The workspace caters to a bigger trend of working away from the office—something of a necessity during the pandemic—that is now here to stay. The telecommuting space includes Wi-Fi, a printer, a scanner, and a cloakroom for guest use. The professional services are free to use. Meantime, the calendar is populated with themed evenings and events designed to keep guests coming back. Access and parking are free, so guests only pay based on consumption.
Hall U Need brings innovative and unique concepts to the market in France. For example, “Racing Bug,” a racing circuit game with 10 miniature cars, allows riders to drive their model car using a real steering wheel and gas pedal while competing against other players. A few meters away sits a “free-roaming VR” game that immerse players—equipped with special outfits—into a 4-dimensional universe in which they feel the blast of wind, heat, smells, and haptic sensors that simulate impact.
IAAPA wishes Cyril and his team all the best and look forward to the expansion of the concept to other locations as this entrepreneur’s work is never finished.
