Blaise Witnish is Global CEO of Funlab, the parent company of Holey Moley and Hijinks Hotel. She shares strategy and secrets at these instantly Instagrammable venues at Irvine Spectrum Center.
Where did the initial concepts for these venues originate?
In 2016, we saw a mini-golf bar concept that was doing incredibly well and realized there was room to do something even more outrageous. That led to Holey Moley. From there, we wanted to push the creative envelope further, which sparked the idea for Hijinks Hotel – bringing the aesthetic of a boutique hotel and challenge rooms together into one immersive space.
What is the most surprising thing guests encounter at Hijinks Hotel?
I love the initial confusion. People often walk in thinking it is a real hotel! Our staff wears reception uniforms, and you check in with a room key. But my favorite moment is the elevator experience; it really feels like you are traveling to another floor. I will not spoil the surprise, but seeing the reactions of guests when those doors open is one of my favorite parts of the job.
Why was Irvine Spectrum Center chosen as your U.S. flagship location?
Irvine Spectrum is an incredible open-air center with a retail mix that is perfectly thought out. It draws a diverse crowd of families, grandparents, couples on date nights and corporate groups. We wanted to bring a cheeky, high-energy vibe that complemented that aspirational Southern California lifestyle.
What is your must-try recommendation from the menu?
At Hijinks Hotel, you have to try the Fancy Flamingo cocktail. It has a smoke bubble on top that you pop – the smell and the theater of it are outrageous. At Holey Moley, nothing beats drinking out of a giant trophy with your friends. It makes every visit feel like a victory.
