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Game Over: Bradford's only escape room closing up shop next month

After three and a half years in business, the Bradford Escape Academy has decided to close next month
2019-05-29-bradford escape academy
Owner and creator of The Bradford Escape Academy, Dan Kennedy. Natasha Philpott for BradfordToday

If you haven’t been to the Bradford Escape Academy yet, time is running out. 
The business announced on their Facebook page late Wednesday night they will be closing next month. 

“We’ve had such a joyful and rewarding time introducing escape games to the Bradford community, however, it takes a ton of time and energy to operate a successful small business, and we’ve come to realize that our family no longer has the capacity to do so,” read their online post. 

The business was owned and operated by husband and wife team, Dan Kennedy and Jennifer Chown. They opened in March 2016 and have designed three different escape rooms in that time. 

This was a passion project for the couple, but since they both now work other jobs outside of town, maintaining the escape room has become too much for them. 

“Both Jen and I are working out of town and the commuting time has reduced our ability to support and grow the business,” said Kennedy. 

“We’re looking forward to have our evenings and weekends back.”

Kennedy and Chown have learned a lot from their business venture. 

“We’ve learned so much through trial and error--lots of successes but also making lots of mistakes along the way. If we ever did something like this again I’m hoping it would go a little more smoothly.”

But they have a lot of fond memories to take with them and don’t regret their decision to try something new. 

“We’ve had a great time,” said Kennedy. 

“My favourite moments have been watching the excitement and satisfaction of players as they solve difficult puzzles or discover something like a new room.” 

The Bradford Escape Academy will be closing its doors for the final time on Sunday Oct. 13. To book an appointment visit their website here


Natasha Philpott

About the Author: Natasha Philpott

Natasha is the Editor for BradfordToday and InnisfilToday. She graduated from the Media Studies program at The University of Guelph-Humber. She lives in Bradford with her husband, two boys and two cats.
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