People’s Choice Family Fun Center: A Waukegan Story

John’s current chronology · Video evidence placed in sequence

The history
and its films
move together.

Read John’s chronology in sequence. Where a released episode belongs, the documented moment carries directly into its full video record.

Current written history · released video milestones

Released documentary chapters

Choose a poster. Enter a chapter.

Tap a poster to find its film

Video 1 of 10The Early Hustle

Video 2 of 10The $1 Idea

Video 3 of 10The Video Rental Revolution

Video 4 of 10Fire, Recovery & a Larger Home

Video 5 of 10More Than Just Movies: The Fun Center Begins

Video 6 of 10It Was Never About the Yacht: The Core Philosophy

Video 7 of 10When Everything Stopped: The COVID Shutdown

Video 8 of 10Survival Was Never the End: The Comeback Begins

Video 9 of 10Almost to the Top

Video 10 of 10It’s Always Been Waukegan. It Will Always Be Waukegan.

1971–1983 1984–1992 1994–1998 1999–2003 2006–2012 2014–2015 2020 2020–2021 2021–2026 2026

Era 1971–1983

John’s current chronology

The first store

Record 01

The record begins before People’s Choice had a name, with the early work that led John to his first Waukegan location.

1. 1971

John Sarantakis arrives in America from Greece at age six.

2. 1981

John begins selling handmade items door to door in his neighborhood, including wind chimes and painted pet rocks.

John’s account of the early work that set the first People’s Choice story in motion.
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Filed chapter

3. 1982

The State of Illinois issues the first Certificate of Registration for The People’s Choice, starting the door-to-door business out of the family home.

The 1982 State of Illinois Certificate of Registration issued to The People’s Choice, John Sarantakis, in Waukegan. — Pl. 01
State of Illinois Certificate of Registration · 1982
The first Illinois state tax number, registering The People’s Choice as a business.

4. September 24, 1982

The People’s Choice is formed, selling merchandise to students in school, door to door, and at flea markets. The original employees carry City of Waukegan peddler permits.

Two 1982 City of Waukegan salesman or solicitor’s permits issued to People’s Choice employees Barbara Ann Van Horn and Rodney Cason. — Pl. 01
Salesman or Solicitor’s Permits · September 24, 1982
City of Waukegan peddler permits carried by the first People’s Choice employees.

5. 1982

The first People’s Choice loyalty coupon goes out with the door-to-door route: one coupon with every five-dollar purchase, and ten coupons exchanged for five dollars of merchandise.

6. December 21, 1982

The first People’s Choice gift certificate is issued and redeemed: certificate No. 1001, five dollars in merchandise, presented as a Christmas gift and received back on January 3, 1983.

The People’s Choice gift certificate No. 1001 dated December 21, 1982, for five dollars in merchandise, with the redemption receipt on the reverse. — Pl. 01
First Gift Certificate Issued · December 21, 1982
Gift certificate No. 1001, issued December 21, 1982 and redeemed January 3, 1983.

7. 1982

An original draft template of The People’s Choice stock certificate is drawn up, one share of stock at a par value of one dollar, with its stockholder stub.

The original draft template of The People’s Choice stock certificate, showing the one-dollar par value certificate with stock holder and stock stub panels. — Pl. 01
Stock Certificate Draft Template · 1982
The original stock certificate draft: one share of The People’s Choice, par value one dollar.

8. 1983

John develops a successful strategy for selling small retail items to fellow classmates. He saves $2,000 working for Wendy’s, combines it with his door-to-door inventory, and opens his first retail location.

9. March 3, 1983

An employee sales recognition award is issued: an Award of Merit for outstanding achievement, presented to Scott Tate for $133.25 in sales from February 1 to February 28, 1983, signed by John Sarantakis.

A March 1983 People’s Choice Award of Merit for outstanding achievement presented to Scott Tate for sales of $133.25. — Pl. 01
Award of Merit · March 1983
The employee sales recognition award presented to Scott Tate, signed by John Sarantakis.

10. August 23, 1983

The People’s Choice Retail Outlet opens at 1117 Washington Street in Waukegan: 2,000 square feet while John is still attending high school, in the former Strawberry Fields space.

John Sarantakis stands outside the People’s Choice Retail Outlet with Junior Achievement advisor Ralph Dillon. — Pl. 01
People’s Choice Retail Outlet · 1983
John Sarantakis with Ralph Dillon, his Junior Achievement advisor, at the first Retail Outlet.

The August 23, 1983 City of Waukegan business license issued to Peoples Choice at 1117 Washington Street. — Pl. 02
City of Waukegan Business License · August 23, 1983
The first business license, issued by the City of Waukegan for 1117 Washington Street.

11. 1983

A photograph of the People’s Choice Retail Outlet sign still shows the original Strawberry Fields sign hanging in the top right corner of the building.

A 1983 color photograph of The People’s Choice Retail Outlet storefront sign in Waukegan, with the former Strawberry Fields sign visible at the upper right. — Pl. 01
Retail Outlet Storefront Photograph · 1983
The Retail Outlet sign at 1117 Washington Street, with the Strawberry Fields sign still hanging.

12. 1983

The first People’s Choice business card lists the Retail Outlet at 1117 Washington Street with John Sarantakis as proprietor.

The 1983 People’s Choice Retail Outlet business card listing 1117 Washington Street, Waukegan, and John Sarantakis as proprietor. — Pl. 01
Business Card · 1983
The first business card: watches, jewelry, electronics, novelties, computer software.

13. 1983

Paper match books are given away at the checkout counter with cigarette purchases, printed with the store’s full merchandise list.

Three 1983 pink People’s Choice Retail Outlet paper match books, front, inside, and back, listing merchandise categories. — Pl. 01
Paper Match Books · 1983
The counter match books — “Picky People Pick People’s Choice,” open seven days a week.

14. 1983

Newspaper ad layouts are created by Judy’s type setting service, and the finished two-inch by four-inch ads run throughout the newspaper for extra exposure.

A 1983 sheet of People’s Choice Retail Outlet newspaper ad layouts prepared by Judy’s type setting service. — Pl. 01
Newspaper Ad Layouts · 1983
The 1983 newspaper ad layouts prepared by Judy’s type setting service.

The actual 1983 two-inch by four-inch People’s Choice Retail Outlet newspaper advertisement with hours and the free watch pen offer. — Pl. 02
Published Newspaper Advertisement · 1983
The published two-by-four-inch ad, with the free watch pen offer.

15. September 1983

The Abbott employee newsletter, Abbott Topics, covers Junior Achievement advisor Ralph Dillon helping John Sarantakis start his own business in Waukegan.

16. September 1983

The Sun-Times names John Sarantakis one of three Junior Achievement students chosen to represent the newly rebranded Jesse Jeans.

A September 1983 Sun-Times article, Jesse Jeans sells brains, not behinds, picturing John Sarantakis with two other Junior Achievement students. — Pl. 01
Chicago Sun-Times · September 1983
“Jesse Jeans sells brains, not behinds” — the Sun-Times feature naming John one of three students chosen.

17. October 7, 1983

The West Side Story, the Waukegan West High School newspaper, covers John Sarantakis and the achievements of his senior year.

The October 7, 1983 West Side Story high school newspaper page featuring John Sarantakis in the What do picky people pick? article. — Pl. 01
The West Side Story, Waukegan West High School · October 7, 1983
“What do picky people pick?” — the high school newspaper covers John’s senior-year achievements.

18. November 23, 1983

The City of Waukegan grants the first arcade games license to The People’s Choice Retail Outlet at 1117 Washington Street, beginning the footsteps that lead to the largest family entertainment centers.

The November 1983 City of Waukegan business license for amusement devices at People’s Choice. — Pl. 01
City of Waukegan Amusement Device License · November 23, 1983
The first arcade games license: three amusement devices at 1117 Washington Street.

Era 1984–1992

John’s current chronology

From flea markets to Video Express

Record 02

The first locations grow into a new kind of video-rental business built around convenience and repeat visits.

1. 1984

A free three-year pass-out calendar goes to customers at the Retail Outlet counter, printed with the 1117 Washington Street address and the store’s hours.

A 1984 People’s Choice three-year pass-out calendar card listing the 1117 Washington Street address, phone numbers, and store hours. — Pl. 01
Customer Pass-Out Calendar · 1984
The free three-year calendar handed to customers: “Picky People Pick People’s Choice.”

2. 1985

The People’s Choice Flea Market opens at 1620 North Lewis Avenue in Waukegan, a 65,000-square-foot facility in the former Bellscot Department Store.

3. September 9, 1985

An original invoice from Innovations 2000, the former Ronco Inc., records a closeout purchase of 167 Miracle Sanders for the Retail Outlet at 1117 Washington Street.

A September 9, 1985 Innovations 2000 invoice billed to Peoples Choice, 1117 Washington Street, Waukegan, for 167 Miracle Sanders. — Pl. 01
Innovations 2000 Invoice · September 9, 1985
The September 1985 Innovations 2000 invoice — 167 Miracle Sanders, straight sale closeout.

4. January 9, 1986

A News-Sun advertisement announces the moving sale of The People’s Choice Retail Outlet as it becomes the newly formed People’s Choice Discount Center at 1620 North Lewis Avenue in Waukegan.

The January 9, 1986 News-Sun advertisement announcing a two-day 50% off moving sale at Peoples Choice Retail Outlet, 1117 Washington Street. — Pl. 01
The News-Sun Advertisement · January 9, 1986
“Moving Sale — 2 days only” — the January 1986 News-Sun ad marking the move to 1620 North Lewis.

5. 1986

John opens his second flea market by reopening the former Zion Flea Market.

6. February 21, 1986

A Holiday Inn letter, addressed to The People’s Choice Flea Market at 1620 North Lewis Avenue, dates the flea market in the former BelScot department store before it is converted to The People’s Choice Discount Center later that year.

A February 21, 1986 Holiday Inn letter to John Sarantakis of The People’s Choice Flea Market, with the enclosed luggage tag holding a People’s Choice Flea Market business card. — Pl. 01
Holiday Inn Letter · February 21, 1986
The February 1986 Holiday Inn letter and luggage tag, addressed to the Flea Market at 1620 North Lewis Avenue.

7. June 1986

An ad in What’s Happening Magazine promotes the yellow Pinto Video Express free movie delivery and pick-up service at the newly rebranded People’s Choice Discount Center — a delivery idea decades ahead of its time.

A June 1986 What’s Happening Magazine ad for The People’s Choice Discount Center at 1620 N. Lewis, showing the Video Express delivery car and one free movie rental offer. — Pl. 01
What’s Happening Magazine Ad · June 1986
“Try our Video Express” — free movie rental and delivery from 1620 North Lewis Avenue.

8. 1986

Classified ads in the local paper do double duty — renting flea market space at 1620 North Lewis and buying used V.H.S. movies from families across Waukegan.

Two 1986 newspaper classified ads for The People’s Choice Flea Market space rental and used V.H.S. movie buying. — Pl. 01
Newspaper Classified Ads · 1986
“$Need Extra Money$” — the classifieds that filled the flea market and stocked the video shelves.

9. July 1986

A People’s Choice Discount Center ad puts the Video Express delivery car front and center: better selections, lower prices, and one free movie rental with delivery running as late as midnight on weekends.

A July 1986 advertisement for The People’s Choice Discount Center at 1620 N. Lewis showing the Video Express delivery car, store hours, and delivery hours. — Pl. 01
Video Express Advertisement · July 1986
“Try our Video Express” — one free movie rental and delivery, with the Pinto pictured at the curb.

10. October 1986

A full-page What’s Happening ad introduces the $1.00 movie rental at two locations — the Discount Center on North Lewis and the Zion Flea Market — with coupons for a 1¢ second movie and a $5 V.C.R. rental.

An October 1986 What’s Happening ad for The People’s Choice Video Express with three coupons and two store locations. — Pl. 01
What’s Happening Magazine Ad · October 1986
“Home of the $1.00 movie rental” — the coupon ad that carried the idea into a second town.

11. 1986

The Funny Money promotion turns every purchase into store credit: spend a dollar, earn a dollar of Funny Money, redeemable at the customer service desk at the front of the store.

The typed 1986 rules for The People’s Choice Discount Center Funny Money promotion, with a VOID sample $20 Funny Money note printed below. — Pl. 01
Funny Money Promotion Rules · 1986
The typed rules for Funny Money, with the “Picky People Pick People’s Choice” $20 note beneath.

12. 1987

With a $5,000 investment in 200 movies, John begins renting V.H.S. movies for $1 at the flea markets to attract more business. The business becomes The People’s Choice Discount Center.

The $1-per-movie idea that gave families an affordable way to return.
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Filed chapter

13. 1987

The People’s Choice Video Express is created, introducing a video delivery and pick-up service. A Pinto station wagon with a horse-body logo becomes the first delivery vehicle.

How a growing video-store chapter became part of local family routine.
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Filed chapter

14. 1987

The People’s Choice buys the inside covers of the 1987–88 area telephone directory binder, placing the stores beside the community information families used every day.

The open yellow 1987-88 telephone directory binder showing The People’s Choice advertisement among community listings. — Pl. 01
Telephone Directory Binder · 1987–88
The 1987–88 telephone directory binder, with People’s Choice printed on the inside cover.

15. May 15, 1987

Allendale writes to thank The People’s Choice for donating a one-year video-club membership to Becker House, its group home in Waukegan — an early record of the store giving to neighbors who needed it.

A May 15, 1987 letter from Allendale in Lake Villa, Illinois thanking The People’s Choice Discount Center for donating a one-year video club membership to Becker House. — Pl. 01
Allendale Letter · May 15, 1987
Allendale thanks People’s Choice for a donated year of video-club membership for Becker House.

16. May 1988

The People’s Choice Video Express issues its Employee Handbook, Rules & Policies (REV 5/88), covering four stores — Waukegan on N. Lewis Avenue and Glen Flora Avenue, North Chicago on S. Lewis Avenue, and Zion on Sheridan Road. Eight pages set the dress code, customer-service rules, benefits, pay, promotions, and the corporate ladder John drew by hand, with his own handwritten revisions in the margins.

Cover page of The People’s Choice Video Express Employee Handbook Rules & Policies. — Pl. 01
Employee Handbook Rules & Policies · Cover · May 1988
The handbook cover: “Home of the $1.00 Movie Rental.”

Handbook page listing the four People’s Choice Video Express store addresses, dress code, and policies, with handwritten notes. — Pl. 02
Employee Handbook · Page 1 · REV 5/88
Store list, dress code, and policies — with John’s handwritten edits.

Handbook page continuing store policies, employee benefits, and loitering rules. — Pl. 03
Employee Handbook · Page 2 · REV 5/88
Policies continued, employee benefits, and free-rental rules.

Handbook page covering attitude, write ups and terminations, new employees, and scheduling. — Pl. 04
Employee Handbook · Page 3 · REV 5/88
Attitude, write-ups, new hires, and scheduling.

Handbook page covering scheduling, breaks, management, and hand-drawn single proprietorship and partnership diagrams. — Pl. 05
Employee Handbook · Page 4 · REV 5/88
Breaks, management, and the hand-drawn ownership diagrams.

Hand-drawn corporation chart running from stock holders and board of directors down to employees. — Pl. 06
Employee Handbook · Corporation Chart · REV 5/88
The corporate ladder, drawn by hand: stockholders down to employees.

Handbook page covering promotions, leaving the company, image, unity, pay, and visiting other stores. — Pl. 07
Employee Handbook · Page 6 · REV 5/88
Promotions, image, unity, pay, and visiting other stores.

The signature page of The People’s Choice Video Express handbook, with lines for signature and date. — Pl. 08
Employee Handbook · Signature Page · REV 5/88
The signature page every Video Express employee signed.

17. June 30, 1988

The People’s Choice Video Express opens at 810 Glen Flora Street in Waukegan, a 2,000-square-foot dedicated video-rental location and the first stand-alone Video Express.

The June 30, 1988 City of Waukegan business license for The People’s Choice Video Express at 810 Glen Flora Avenue. — Pl. 01
City of Waukegan Business License · June 30, 1988
The business license for the first stand-alone People’s Choice Video Express.

18. 1988

The People’s Choice Video Express publishes its membership benefits for renters: a $10 yearly membership, free rentals, reservation rights, and free admission to the Zion Flea Market.

A 1988 People’s Choice Video Express membership benefits letter signed by John Sarantakis, president. — Pl. 01
Video Express Membership Benefits · 1988
The membership benefits letter sent to People’s Choice Video Express renters, signed by John Sarantakis.

19. 1989

Custom plastic Video Express movie bags carry the store list to every rental counter: “Home of the $1.00 movie rental,” open 365 days a year, and “We now rent Nintendo at all locations.”

A 1989 yellow People’s Choice Video Express plastic movie bag printed with the $1.00 movie rental slogan and a star map of store locations. — Pl. 01
Custom Plastic Video Movie Bag · 1989
The custom Video Express movie bag, printed with every location and the $1.00 rental promise.

20. 1990

The People’s Choice Video Express payroll check — the blank company check that paid the crew running the stores.

A blank 1990 payroll check for The People’s Choice Video Express. — Pl. 01
Company Payroll Check · 1990
The People’s Choice Video Express payroll check, blank and unissued.

21. July 1990

Video Store Magazine writes up the People’s Choice Back to the Future Part II promotion: a battery-powered DeLorean replica in the front window, a receipt drawing, and 2,000 to 3,000 entries from one homemade sign and word of mouth.

22. July 8, 1990

The Puerto Rican Society of Waukegan thanks People’s Choice for helping make its “Say No To Drugs” youth dance a success, with donated contest and door prizes.

A July 8, 1990 Puerto Rican Society of Waukegan letter thanking The People’s Choice for donations to its Say No To Drugs youth dance. — Pl. 01
Puerto Rican Society Letter · July 8, 1990
The Puerto Rican Society thanks People’s Choice for prizes at the “Say No To Drugs” youth dance.

23. July 10, 1990

The City of Waukegan thanks Mark and John of People’s Choice Video for supporting the 1990 Miss Waukegan Pageant and its scholarship fund, which awarded over $1,500 in prizes and an $875 college scholarship.

A July 10, 1990 City of Waukegan Miss Waukegan Pageant letter thanking People’s Choice Video for its contribution to the pageant and scholarship fund. — Pl. 01
City of Waukegan Pageant Letter · July 10, 1990
The Miss Waukegan Pageant thanks People’s Choice for supporting the scholarship fund.

24. July 21, 1990

A News-Sun feature on Lake County video stores quotes John Sarantakis on a shifting market: “I don’t think business is down. It’s just being redistributed.” People’s Choice Video Express is then running stores in Waukegan, North Chicago, Zion, Winthrop Harbor and Mundelein.

The July 21-22, 1990 News-Sun Lake County article about video stores, quoting John Sarantakis of People’s Choice Video Express, with a photo of a customer browsing at the Glen Flora store. — Pl. 01
The News-Sun · July 21–22, 1990
The News-Sun surveys Lake County video stores and quotes John on a redistributed market.

25. August 1990

Video Business magazine names John Sarantakis and Mark Paparigian Retailers of the Week for taking six People’s Choice Video Express locations to round-the-clock hours — a change that lifted store revenue about 20 percent.

The August 1990 Video Business magazine Retail Roundup page featuring John Sarantakis and Mark Paparigian of People’s Choice Video Express as Retailer of the Week. — Pl. 01
Video Business Magazine · August 1990
“Retailer of the Week” — the national trade write-up on the 24-hour video experiment in Waukegan.

26. September 21, 1990

A News-Sun ad announces the move and expansion of the south-side video store. Walgreens bought the property at Belvidere and Lewis to build a third Waukegan store, so People’s Choice moved to Lewis and 14th Street, next to Tom’s Amoco.

A September 21, 1990 News-Sun advertisement announcing the move and expansion of the People’s Choice Video Express south-side Waukegan location. — Pl. 01
News-Sun Advertisement · September 21, 1990
The News-Sun ad announcing the south-side store’s move to Lewis and 14th Street.

27. August 13, 1991

A Donnelley Directory proof confirms the Video Express Yellow Pages ad — South Waukegan, Winthrop Harbor, and the Glen Flora superstore open 9 a.m. to 1 a.m., seven days a week, holidays included.

A 1991 Donnelley Directory advertising proof for The People’s Choice Video Express listing three Waukegan-area locations and hours. — Pl. 01
Donnelley Directory Ad Proof · August 13, 1991
The Yellow Pages proof, listing every Video Express location and the 9 a.m.–1 a.m. superstore hours.

28. May 23, 1991

The Dollar Choice Store opens in the basement of The People’s Choice Video Express at 810 Glen Flora, the first dollar store in the area, inspired by an Everything Is A Dollar store John saw in Los Angeles.

A May 23, 1991 News-Sun advertisement announcing The Dollar Choice Stores now open in the lower level of People’s Choice Video Express at 810 Glen Flora Avenue. — Pl. 01
News-Sun “Summer Fun Guide” · May 23, 1991
The News-Sun announcement for The Dollar Choice Store, every item only $1.00.

29. January 11, 1992

A News-Sun advertisement announces the People’s Choice Video Express “Your Ticket to Hollywood” scratch-card giveaway: free cards, prizes totaling over $25,000, and a grand-prize trip to Los Angeles — no purchase necessary.

Era 1994–1998

John’s current chronology

A larger home, a fire, and recovery

Record 03

The Grand Avenue years include expansion, sudden loss, and a fast recovery into an even larger home.

1. 1994

The People’s Choice Video Express expands and moves to 1811 Grand Avenue in Waukegan, a 5,000-square-foot location.

A framed local-business feature titled Fiercely independent, showing John Sarantakis inside People’s Choice Video Express on Grand Avenue. — Pl. 01
People’s Choice Video Express · Grand Avenue era
A local-business profile filed alongside the Grand Avenue expansion record.

2. 1995

John expands into an additional 5,000 square feet, occupying the entire building at 10,000 square feet and adding a drive-up window for movie pickup and return.

3. April 28, 1997

The fire destroys the People’s Choice Video Express at 1811 Grand Avenue; nothing is saved.

A 1997 newspaper clipping documenting the fire that destroyed the People’s Choice Video Express at 1811 Grand Avenue. — Pl. 01
Fire at 1811 Grand Avenue · April 28, 1997
A contemporaneous record of the fire that led to the next recovery chapter.

4. 1997

Two months later, The People’s Choice Video Express reopens at 2411 Grand Avenue in the former Jewel, occupying 11,000 square feet and adding 14 video arcade games.

A devastating loss, a second chance, and a much bigger next chapter.
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Defining chapter in the record

5. January 1998

City Council approves the Family Fun Center expansion inside the new People’s Choice Video Express location at 2411 Grand Avenue.

A January 1998 News-Sun clipping about City Council approval of the Family Fun Center expansion inside People’s Choice Video Express at 2411 Grand Avenue. — Pl. 01
Family Fun Center expansion · January 1998
News-Sun coverage of the approved 2411 Grand Avenue expansion.

6. 1998

The Waukegan Development Commission approves the conditional-use permit for People’s Choice Video Express to expand into the People’s Choice Family Fun Center.

A 1998 newspaper clipping documenting the Waukegan Development Commission approval for People’s Choice Video Express to expand into a Family Fun Center. — Pl. 01
Family Fun Center approval · 1998
Development-commission coverage of the transition from Video Express to Family Fun Center.

7. 1998

The People’s Choice Video Express expands to 14,500 square feet while pursuing the goal of becoming the world’s largest video store.

Era 1999–2003

John’s current chronology

The Family Fun Center takes root

Record 04

Movies become only one part of a larger family-entertainment destination built around games, food, parties, and gathering together.

1. 1999

The People’s Choice Family Fun Center is created, adding pizza, birthday parties, a large snack bar, and a growing number of arcade games. The store expands to 25,000 square feet.

John traces the 1998 decision that turned a video-store chapter into a growing place for family fun.
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Defining chapter in the record

2. 2000

Video Store Magazine recognizes People’s Choice Video Express among its Top 100 video specialty chains.

A complete April 2000 Video Store Magazine Top 100 cover and People’s Choice Video Express recognition plaque, ranked number 86. — Pl. 01
Video Store Magazine · April 2000
People’s Choice Video Express is recognized as a Top 100 video specialty chain, ranked #86.

A 2000 Video Miles Rewards Certificate from People’s Choice Video Express and Family Fun Center. — Pl. 02
Video Miles Rewards Certificate · 2000
A rewards certificate from the People’s Choice Video Express and Family Fun Center program.

3. December 2002

A Moving Targets direct-mail campaign welcomes new neighbors: personalized gift certificates for a large one-topping pizza plus a free movie rental at the People’s Choice Family Fun Center, 2411 Grand Avenue.

Two December 2002 Moving Targets gift certificates for The People’s Choice Family Fun Center offering a free large pizza with one topping plus a free movie rental. — Pl. 01
Moving Targets Direct-Mail Promotion · December 2002
Moving Targets gift certificates mailed to new residents: a free pizza and a free movie rental.

4. 2003

The Fun Center expands to 25,000 square feet and the video store to 10,000 square feet, creating a 35,000-square-foot family-entertainment facility for celebrations, outings, and video-rental customers.

A 2003 Dora the Explorer Live event photograph at the Genesee Theater before the visit to People’s Choice at 2411 Grand Avenue. — Pl. 01
Dora the Explorer Live · 2003
Dora the Explorer Live visits People’s Choice at 2411 Grand Avenue before the Genesee Theater show.

5. March 20, 2005

A Very Important Player card is issued to member Veronica S. Munoz, one of the photo VIP cards carried by regulars at the fun center.

A People’s Choice Family Fun Center Very Important Player card issued to Veronica S. Munoz, member since 03-20-05. — Pl. 01
VIP Membership Card · March 20, 2005
“Very Important Player” — VIP membership card issued to Veronica S. Munoz.

6. July 23, 2005

A Very Important Player card is issued to Ares Montes at nine days old — the youngest member on record, signed up by family before he could walk through the door on his own.

A People’s Choice Family Fun Center Very Important Player card issued to Ares Montes, member since 7/23/05, showing a newborn photo. — Pl. 01
VIP Membership Card · July 23, 2005
“Member since 7/23/05” — Ares Montes, nine days old, already a Very Important Player.

Era 2006–2012

John’s current chronology

Rocky’s expansion

Record 05

New locations, miniature golf, games, and family activities extend the story while keeping its center of gravity in Waukegan.

1. February 3, 2006

A Very Important Player card is issued to member Justin Munoz, part of the VIP membership program that tracked regulars at the fun center.

A People’s Choice Family Fun Center Very Important Player card issued to Justin Munoz, member since 02/03/06. — Pl. 01
VIP Membership Card · February 3, 2006
“Very Important Player” — VIP membership card issued to Justin Munoz.

2. 2006

John buys Monster Golf in Gurnee, Illinois.

3. 2007

He converts Monster Golf to Rocky’s Fun House Miniature Golf and adds a second People’s Choice Family Fun Center location with redemption and arcade games, Rocky’s Gold Mine, and Animaland Create Your Own Furry Friend.

4. 2008

Rocky’s Fun House Miniature Golf in Gurnee closes after the village states the games do not meet Underwriter Laboratory standards, and John decides to move the operation to 2411 Grand Avenue in Waukegan.

5. 2008

In June, Rocky’s Fun House Miniature Golf opens in Waukegan, adding 8,500 square feet and bringing the building total to 43,500 square feet.

6. 2009

People’s Choice Family Fun Center’s 25th year is recorded in local family-fun coverage and industry reporting.

Two framed El Conquistador newspaper features from July 2, 2009, including coverage of People’s Choice Family Fun Center’s 25th year. — Pl. 01
El Conquistador · July 2, 2009
A bilingual family-fun feature and 25th-year story from the local record.

A framed June 2009 Play Meter display with three People’s Choice Family Fun Center feature pages and a recognition plaque. — Pl. 02
Play Meter · June 2009
Industry coverage of the People’s Choice Family Fun Center experience.

A 2009 exterior photograph of People’s Choice occupying the full former Jewel building at 2411 Grand Avenue. — Pl. 03
2411 Grand Avenue · 2009
People’s Choice occupies the full 41,000-square-foot former Jewel building at 2411 Grand Avenue.

7. February 2, 2012

The line stretches down the sidewalk at 2411 Grand Avenue — families waiting to get into The People’s Choice Family Fun Center, with the weekly specials still posted in the windows: Monday 99¢ catalog rentals, Tuesday 2-for-1 games, Wednesday rentals.

Families lined up along the sidewalk outside the yellow People’s Choice Family Fun Center building in Waukegan in February 2012. — Pl. 01
The People’s Choice Family Fun Center, Waukegan · February 2, 2012
Families lined up outside the Family Fun Center, with the arcade, parties, pizza and video signs overhead.

8. 2012

The People’s Choice Entertainment operates as a full-service family entertainment center with a kitchen, more than 150 redemption and arcade games, glow-in-the-dark miniature golf, and a video store. Rocky’s Fabulous Vegas Strip is also created that August.

John connects passion, children’s smiles, and community access to the work he values most at People’s Choice.
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Filed chapter

Era 2014–2015

John’s current chronology

New ventures continue

Record 06

1. 2014

Rocky’s Pizzeria & Ice Cream opens its first prototype location at 1440 East Grand Avenue in Lindenhurst, combining pizza, fast food, Hershey’s Ice Cream, video gaming slots, and a changing three-year concept.

2. June 22, 2014

The Rocky’s Pizzeria Lindenhurst grand opening: a Free Food for a Year coupon book goes out to the first 200 customers, with one free coupon a week for a year plus twelve monthly bonus discounts.

The Rocky’s Pizzeria Lindenhurst Free Food for a Year coupon book and a free slice of pizza coupon valid June 22–28, 2014. — Pl. 01
Rocky’s Pizzeria Lindenhurst Coupon Book · June 22, 2014
The Free Food for a Year coupon book handed to the first 200 customers at the Lindenhurst grand opening.

3. 2014

A second Rocky’s Pizzeria & Ice Cream location is planned for 2501 Martin Luther King Drive in North Chicago, but build-out delays and a pause in new gaming licenses affect the opening.

4. July 22, 2015

The People’s Choice liquidation sale runs in the former Blockbuster at Green Bay and Grand in Waukegan, next to ZIP Fitness. Held over for one more weekend — Friday July 24, Saturday July 25 and Sunday July 26, noon to 7 p.m. — with over 1,000 more items added and thousands of movies to choose from: old classics, entire TV seasons, Disney movies and new releases, starting as low as $1.

The interior of the former Blockbuster store in Waukegan filled with People’s Choice movie racks and shelves of DVDs and Blu-rays during the 2015 liquidation sale. — Pl. 01
Liquidation Sale, Former Blockbuster · July 22, 2015
Inside the former Blockbuster at Green Bay and Grand during the People’s Choice liquidation sale.

Era 2020

John’s current chronology

When everything stopped

Record 07

The historical series reaches the COVID shutdown and the pressure it placed on People’s Choice’s flagship store and its team.

1. 2020

The COVID shutdown becomes the focus of Video 7 in the People’s Choice Historical Series.

John recalls the COVID shutdown, the pressure on his flagship store, and the difficult choices facing his team.
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Documented turning point

Era 2020–2021

John’s current chronology

The comeback begins

Record 08

The next chapter follows People’s Choice as the business reopens, makes room to grow, and responds to what families want next.

1. 2020

The reopening and the next People’s Choice chapter become the focus of Video 8 in the Historical Series.

John describes reopening during the COVID era, finding room to grow, and building toward the next People’s Choice chapter.
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Defining chapter in the record

Era 2021–2026

John’s current chronology

Almost to the top

Record 09

The record turns from post-COVID rebuilding to an unresolved February 2026 question of where People’s Choice belongs.

1. 2025

RePlay Magazine features The People’s Choice Family Fun Center and its work with Semnox Solutions.

A framed September 2025 RePlay Magazine feature on Semnox Solutions and The People’s Choice Family Fun Center, including a photograph of John Sarantakis. — Pl. 01
RePlay Magazine · September 2025
A feature on Semnox Solutions and The People’s Choice Family Fun Center.

2. 2026

Video 9 records the post-COVID rebuilding period and the question of whether People’s Choice would stay in Waukegan or start over somewhere else.

After the post-COVID rebuild, People’s Choice reaches an unresolved February 2026 question: stay in Waukegan or start over somewhere else?
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Documented turning point

Era 2026

John’s current chronology

A new chapter, still Waukegan

Record 10

The record resolves with People’s Choice opening its next chapter in the same community where the story began.

1. April 2026

Rocky appears free of charge at the AAUW Spring Carnival, the 49th annual fundraiser for the nonprofit preschool that has served Waukegan since 1977.

Rocky, the People’s Choice mascot, poses with three children at the AAUW Spring Carnival in April 2026. — Pl. 01
AAUW Spring Carnival · April 2026
Rocky with carnival guests at the 49th annual AAUW Spring Carnival fundraiser.

2. June 19, 2026

The People’s Choice Family Fun Center Arcade opens at 2676 Belvidere Road, four days after moving from the former HOBO location when its five-year lease is not renewed.

A June 2026 panorama of the People’s Choice Family Fun Center Arcade at 2676 Belvidere Road. — Pl. 01
Belvidere Road opening · June 19, 2026
A panoramic view of the Family Fun Center Arcade at the new Belvidere Road location.

3. 2026

Video 10 documents Waukegan’s response to the move and the opening of People’s Choice’s next chapter in the community it has called home for more than four decades.

The closing chapter follows the move, Waukegan’s response, and the opening of People’s Choice’s next chapter in the community it has called home for more than four decades.
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Final record

Record remains open

The historical series is complete. Future John-supplied milestones can extend the public record from this point forward.

The written history is structured so new John-supplied details and their corresponding chapters can join this exact point later.

From the approved archive

The physical details people remember.

From the People’s Choice visual archive

The rides, rooms, colors, and small moments belong in the record too. Every image below is an original client-supplied photograph, kept intact.

Friends gathered around a red table by the DDR machine at People’s Choice — “Good times at the DDR machine.”

Two girls pose together in the People’s Choice party room in 2018, celebrating a cousin’s first visit to the USA.

A toddler in a peach bear-ear headband sits in a wooden high chair at her birthday party at People’s Choice Family Fun Center, 2023.

A mother and her son pose with his sixth birthday cake and party favor boxes in the People’s Choice party room, 2024.

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The community record

Your memory belongs in the archive, too.

This historical archive is for everyone. Please upload your memorabilia, photographs, and memories so the whole community can celebrate them. Every submission is reviewed before it appears here.

Photos and memories are submitted privately to the People’s Choice archive. Nothing is published automatically.

Share your People’s Choice memory →View approved memories

People’s Choice right now · Current August–September promotions

The fun is still
happening now.

These are current People’s Choice promotions, kept separate from the historical documentary. Start with the overview, then choose a party promotion when it fits what you are planning.

Birthday parties · Official People’s Choice page

Ready to plan a celebration?

For availability, current package information, and booking details, use the official party page.

Explore birthday parties