05/22/2026
A wonderful place for the family on those rainy days!
THE GAB SPOT: It’s been less than three weeks since The GAB Spot opened its doors at the corner of Racetrack Road and Beal Parkway, and the 20,000-square-foot family entertainment venue is already becoming what many locals say the area has needed for years.
The venue, which opened May 4 inside the former Goodwill building at the Shops at Wright Plaza, combines eight full-size bowling lanes, six duckpin bowling lanes, five gamified axe throwing lanes, more than 40 arcade games, a full-service restaurant and bar, and locally sourced gelato from GS Gelato.
“The thing we hear the most is, ‘This is something this town has needed,'” said manager Michelle Corrigan. “And it actually gives me goosebumps, because it’s cool to be able to give that back to the community.”
The concept comes from owner Jason Nieves, a retired Air Force vascular surgeon who spent 24 years in the military. Nieves first trained at Hurlburt Field in 2001 before returning to the area in 2017 for his final assignment at Eglin Air Force Base. After retiring, he set out to create a one-stop destination where families could eat, play and stay entertained without having to drive all over town.
The full-service restaurant offers a menu of shareables, smash burgers, handhelds, flatbreads and desserts. Highlights include firecracker shrimp with garlic chili sauce, a Sonoran hot dog on bolillo bread, seven flatbread varieties including Nashville hot chicken with hot honey drizzle, and desserts like churro donuts and key lime pie. The bar carries a full liquor license.
Full story and pics: https://getthecoast.com/inside-the-gab-spot-fort-walton-beachs-new-entertainment-venue-is-open-and-already-drawing-crowds/
