When Samantha Griffiths and her husband Jason sold their family home in the middle of lockdown, they didn’t exactly expect the next chapter of their lives to involve mini golf, arcade games, and a vintage Apple computer museum. But when a quirky property popped up for sale on a local Facebook group, a new idea took hold.

“That post sparked a conversation between Jason and me, which snowballed into an idea too exciting to ignore,” Sam tells Business Builders. “We bought the property and got to work. We’re still renting because our house money went into Griff’s Place, but it was worth it.”

Four years later, Sam and Jason are the proud owners of Griff’s Place: a nostalgia-filled entertainment hub that’s equal parts retro arcade, mini golf course, and time machine. It’s now a finalist in Kochie’s Business Builders Australia’s Favourite Family Business competition, and proof that sometimes the craziest ideas turn out to be the best.

Griff’s Place: a labour of love

Transforming an old property into a family-friendly wonderland was never going to be a weekend DIY job.

‘The property needed a lot of work. It took us four years of renovations and landscaping before we could open,” Sam says.

Time and money were constant hurdles. “We both had other jobs, plus family life,  it was a lot,” she says. “But we’d told so many people about our plans, and the community was cheering us on. Every time we thought about giving up, we reminded ourselves of that support.”

That local encouragement proved powerful fuel. Bit by bit, brick by brick, Griff’s Place came to life.

Putting imagination to work

Sam says the vision for Griff’s Place was always a shared one, though not without a few creative disagreements along the way.

“Jason had a clear vision for the mini golf design,” says Sam. “He saw this empty yard and imagined something amazing. I focused on the interiors, things like the Tetris-themed bathroom and Donkey Kong-inspired shelving.”

When their ideas clashed, they relied on talking things through and a little patience.

“If one of us couldn’t see the other’s vision, we’d take a step back. Over time, we learned that the results were usually better than either of us imagined alone.”

In the end, the couple wound up with a space brimming with personality and playful details. It’s the kind of venue that makes adults grin and kids’ eyes go wide.

Welcoming customers to Griff’s Place

After years of hard yakka, Griff’s Place finally opened its doors, and the Griffiths’ first big break came fast.

“Our first birthday party booking was from the perfect family. They were enthusiastic, creative, and flexible,” Sam says. “Their ideas helped us realise how well our space could work for special events. The success of that day gave us the confidence to keep going.”

From there, word spread quickly. Griff’s Place became the go-to local hangout for birthdays, family days, and anyone chasing a bit of old-school fun.

Keeping it in the family

These days, running the business is a family affair. “I work as a substitute teacher three days a week and run Griff’s Place for the remaining three,” Sam explains. “Jason works full-time in IT but spends weekends maintaining the gardens, arcade, and the Vintage Apple Computer Museum.”

Their teenage daughters aren’t officially on the payroll, but they’re invaluable consultants. “They keep us up to date with what’s cool and relevant. That’s pretty important when your goal is to create fun for the next generation,” Sam says.

A one-of-a-kind business

So what exactly is Griff’s Place?  Asked to describe the venue to the uninitiated, Sam’s fast to respond.

“It’s a retro arcade with mini golf, escape rooms, a vintage Apple computer museum, and giant chess and checkers,” says Sam. “When we say retro arcade, we mean it. It’s classic video games and pinball machines, some dating back to 1976. There are no ticket prizes, just pure fun, nostalgia, and connection.”

Griff’s Place is a throwback to simpler times. When entertainment wasn’t about screens, coins, or points, but laughter and shared moments.

A place for everyone

For the Griffiths, Griff’s Place has been built as a reflection of their values.

“Affordability and inclusiveness are at the heart of everything we do,” Sam says. “With two kids of our own, and me growing up in a family of eight, I know how expensive family outings can be. We keep our prices fair so everyone can join in.”

That family of eight weren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves to make Griff’s Place a success. Their extended family pitched in from day one, helping with construction, landscaping, and opening-day logistics.

“It’s all been a labour of love for everyone” adds Sam.

Tackling challenges with teamwork

The road to opening wasn’t smooth. “There were moments we thought it might not happen. Our costs blew out, delays dragged on, and juggling jobs and parenting was exhausting.

“But we pushed through thanks to persistence, teamwork, and the support of our community,” Sam says.

That sense of community has become the soul of the business. “Seeing families walk through the door for the first time made every setback worth it.”

A place where nostalgia rules

When Griff’s Place finally opened, Sam says it was a moment the family will never forget. “Watching families explore the space we’d dreamed of for years… It was indescribable. Every time someone says, ‘This place is awesome – we’ll be back!’ it reignites that same pride all over again.”

What makes Griff’s Place stand out is its authenticity. “It’s one of the only venues in Australia that combines retro arcade gaming, mini golf, escape rooms, and a vintage Apple computer museum, all in one space designed for all ages,” Sam says.

“There’s nothing corporate about it. It’s not a franchise. Every corner is hand-built and personal. Visitors often say it feels like stepping back in time.”

Giving back to the community

Not satisfied with bringing families together for a day of play, the Griffiths have made community connection a cornerstone of the business.

“We’ve hosted visits from Scouts, sporting teams, and schools,” Sam says. “We sponsor our local kids’ basketball team by donating vouchers for MVP prizes, and we contribute to fundraisers and community events.”

Beyond donations, Griff’s Place serves as a gathering spot where locals can relax, play, and feel part of something bigger. “We want it to belong to the community as much as it does to us.”

Ask Sam what she hopes people take away from a visit, and she doesn’t hesitate. “We want Griff’s Place to inspire people to disconnect from their devices and reconnect with each other,” she says. “Whether it’s kids hanging out after school, adults reliving their youth, or families making memories. We want everyone to walk away with a smile and a story to tell.”

Australia’s Favourite Family Business

Being named a finalist in Australia’s Favourite Family Business 2025 has been a huge moment for the family. “It’s confirmation that all the long days, late nights, and hard work have been worth it,” Sam says. “We’re proud to be recognised alongside other great family businesses, and it means a lot to know people see the heart behind what we’ve built.”

If they win, it’ll be a milestone, but for Sam, the nomination alone is already a victory. “It’s proof that passion, teamwork, and community spirit really do pay off.”

What’s next for Griff’s Place?

Sam and Jason already have their next big dream in sight. “We’d love to expand Griff’s Place with a multi-purpose extension: a space for learning, school excursions, community workshops, and events,” she says. “It would let me combine my love of teaching with our mission to bring people together.”

It’s a big goal, but one they’re determined to reach. After all, they’ve already turned one wild idea into a community favourite.

As for the future, Sam hopes their daughters take away more than just business lessons.

“We want them to dream big, work hard, and create something meaningful,” she says. “Griff’s Place is proof that with teamwork and persistence, you can build something that brings joy to others.”

Whether or not the next generation takes over the arcade keys, Griff’s Place is already part of local history. It’s a homegrown haven of nostalgia, creativity, and connection that started with a Facebook post and a little bit of faith.

“It’s not just a business. It’s our family’s story, and a place built for everyone to share in the fun,” Sam finishes.

Griff’s Place is a finalist in Australia’s Favourite Family Business Competition. You can vote for them and find out more about the rest of our finalists here.

Want more? Get our newsletter delivered straight to your inbox! Follow Business Builders on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.