Mini golf returns to Sonoma

The newly rebranded Sonoma Fun Center will be hosting an Easter egg hunt at 11 a.m. on Sunday, April 1.|

The minigolf and arcade at Maxwell Village reopened on March 23 with a new owner and new name.

Lori and Eric Solis, who also own Top That, bought the Maxwell Village minigolf and arcade business in November 2016, completed extensive renovations and rebranded the spot as Putters – then found themselves needing to close down less than a year later when they lost their house in the October fires. They sold the business last month to Eric Gardner, who had been their partner in the center’s video game arcade business.

Former Sonoma resident Gardner, 44, currently lives in Santa Rosa. He said that he got into the arcade business after leaving the Air Force in his 20s, and began with photo booths. Today, he owns 700 video game machines around the North Bay at 70 arcade locations, but this is his first foray into owning a “fun center” business.

Located at Maxwell Village Shopping Center between Lucky and Shiso Modern Asian Kitchen, the minigolf course and surrounding grounds were completely refurbished by the Solises.

The arcade was expanded and outfitted with ?new games.

Gardner’s plans for the future go further. He plans to apply to sell beer and wine and to expand the food offerings beyond packaged foods.

“I want to have a spot where parents can hang out and have a glass of wine while the kids are playing,” said Gardner. “I want to highlight all the great local wines and craft beer companies around Sonoma.”

Gardner hopes the Sonoma Fun Center will appeal to both tourists and locals.

“Sonoma is one of best people spots in the world,” said Gardner. “I’m excited to make changes that draw more people in.”

Through the end of this month, Sonoma Fun Center is having a soft opening and offering unlimited golf and video games all day for just $7 a person.

The day-to-day operation of the Center will be managed by Glen Ellen resident Erin McDermott.

The center’s spring hours are Wednesday from 1 to 7 p.m.; Friday from noon to 8 p.m.; Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sonoma Fun Center will be hosting an Easter egg hunt at 11 a.m. on Sunday, April 1.

Email Lorna at lorna.sheridan@sonomanews.com.

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