Escape 605 Expands to the Empire Mall

Escape 605, an escape room adventure service, is expanding and coming to a mall near you. Not only is the company expanding its original location at 3718 S. Westport Ave, but it’s also opening an entirely new location at The Empire Mall, in a 4,000-square foot retail space formerly occupied by Vanity.

Escape 605’s original location, which opened in 2016, has proven very popular with Sioux Falls residents, including adults, families, and corporations looking to host events. The puzzle-solving entertainment is tinged with mystery, suspense, and timed runs that amp up the excitement, making it a fun way to spend an afternoon, coordinate team-building exercises, or celebrate a special occasion.

In order to better serve clients, Escape 605’s primary location will add a fourth room with an amnesia theme, where the premise, according to co-owner Amy Stockberger, is that players “wake up in a hotel room and don’t remember anything and have to piece the whole room back together”. Other new additions to the location include a conference room requested by corporate clientele, as well as a beer and wine license. Says Stockberger, “We have bachelor and bachelorette parties, gender reveals, engagements, and so we think it will be much easier to come in and have a drink and relax.”

The kids aren’t going to be left out, either, once the new location is ready to open its doors, hopefully in mid-June. When The Empire Mall approached Escape 605 about taking over the large, empty spot next to Victoria’s Secret in the JCPenney wing of the mall, the growing company jumped at the chance, and they plan to create a space to host children, as well.

According to Stockberger, escape rooms are an experience that should be fun for the whole family. “And a big need we’re seeing is a kids’ room, so we’re using one space for a kids’ room with space for birthday parties and cake and gifts.”

The new space, Stockberger promises, will be “even techier”, albeit “fun and user-friendly”. Themes include Area 51 and a zombie room, as well as a North Pole room for kids to enjoy. Another addition is the assassin challenge, where teams of up to ten guests compete in identical escape rooms.

Says Stockberger of the planned expansion, which will make Escape 605 the largest company of its type in the Dakotas, “There’s such a big need for another activity for companies to do with their employees. The morale-building and the fun and camaraderie it brings just makes sense. Worldwide, it’s the best team-building activity.” With added challenges and amenities, it’s going to be fun for everyone.