Frisco | February 2023

BUSINESS FEATURE Countdown 2 Escape Frisco business oers fun environment for all W hile escape rooms have been a popular pastime for people for years, The rooms at the business are ranked beginner to moderate, medium and dicult. During the pandemic, the Ham-

BY KAREN HARRINGTON

Shannon and Fred Hammond, own- ers of Frisco’s Countdown 2 Escape, said they understand the appeal. “People are looking to have a unique experience competing in an activity or team-building [exer- cise],” Shannon said. “We’ve tried to

monds relied on the paycheck protection program loans to stay aoat and support their dedicated employees. “A big focus for my husband is

sharing his corporate experience with our employees in the form of coaching and mentoring,” Shan- non said. “Keeping valued employees is very important.” Countdown 2 Escape still employs many of its prepan-

“AN IMPORTANT FEATURE WAS THAT THIS WOULD BE A HAPPY, FUN EXPERIENCE WHERE PEOPLE WOULD PUT THEIR PHONES DOWN AND REALLY INTERACT.” SHANNON HAMMOND, OWNER COUNTDOWN 2 ESCAPE

create that feeling of fun and welcome [people].” Each of the com- pany’s three escape room scenarios

The escape rooms are designed to have teams work together to solve clues.

COURTESY SUAD BEJTOVIĆ

invites players to solve a puzzle or mystery while the clock is ticking. Each room is an immer- sive, 60-minute experience for up to eight players. The couple purchased Countdown 2 Escape in 2018. Shannon previ- ously worked for Frisco ISD, and Fred worked in corporate America. Both were looking to buy a business in Frisco, they said. “We wanted a business with a focus on connecting people,” Shannon said. “An important feature was that this would be a happy, fun experience where people would put their phones down and really interact. So, we host all kinds of out- ings from birthday parties to ladies’ night out and youth groups. We’ve even helped facilitate a marriage proposal.”

UNIQUE ROOMS Countdown 2 Escape owners Shannon and Fred Hammond picked some of their most popular rooms. Endangered: Players work to free a poached baby dinosaur. Sweet Dreams Hotel: Trigger the alarm clock in

demic sta, the Hammonds said. But now, the venture has a new oering that launched in November: portable escape rooms. Shannon said the portable escape room the business oers requires a minimum of 12 players and can accommodate up to 100 players with 10 teams playing simultaneously. She added that Countdown 2 Escape can even customize the room. “For the portable escape room experience, we bring a Game Master to a location and create a timed, self-contained game,” Shannon said. “Escape rooms can be a great team-building or party activity. This is a great new way to grow our business.”

a strange dreamscape. The Tension: CIA agents investigate and inltrate a cult on a tight deadline.

Shannon and Fred Hammond own Countdown 2 Escape in Frisco.

COURTESY COUNTDOWN 2 ESCAPE

MAINST.

Countdown 2 Escape 6963 Main St., Frisco 972-325-2025 www.countdown2escape.com Hours: Open by reservation seven days a week

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