Clearwater’s Celebration Station acquired in portfolio deal
By Breanne Williams
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Published: Mar 2, 2022

Clearwater’s Celebration Station was purchased by Five Star Parks & Attractions as part of a large portfolio acquisition.

Backed by Denver-based private equity firm Fruition Partners, Five Star Parks & Attractions acquired two family entertainment center companies that had locations throughout the Midwest and the South. Part of that portfolio included Celebration Station’s five facilitates in Clearwater; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Greensboro, North Carolina; Oklahoma City and Mesquite, Texas.

The company purchased the Clearwater location, at 24546 US Hwy. 19 N., for just under $6.4 million, according to a deed filed in Pinellas County. Five Star acts as an investment platform for family entertainment centers.

Five Star also acquired five locations from Dubby’s Attractions — an operator in Missouri and Tennessee — including two locations in Branson, Missouri, and three locations in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

“Delivering quality experiences so that families can make lasting memories together is at the very heart of what Five Star is all about,” John Dunlap, CEO of Five Star Parks & Attractions, said in a statement. “I’m delighted that we’ve added these additional assets to our portfolio.”

Last summer, the company also acquired The Track Family Fun Parks, a trio of facilities in Branson. Now the company has operations in seven states.

“We’re thrilled about the future of family entertainment and can’t wait to build on the solid record of success that these businesses have achieved,” Jay Coughlon, co-founder and managing partner of Fruition Partners, said in a release.