Bounce Milwaukee opened in 2014 and created a socially and environmentally conscious business and community for both kids and adults. Now, after nine years, the Bay View-based game center will shutter for good on Thursday, Aug. 31.

According to a press release, the business is closing due to an astronomical rent and deposit increase.

"It has become clear that our landlords do not wish to retain us as tenants. They have chosen not only to raise our rent by 50 percent, but also to increase our deposit from $2600 to nearly $200,000. Obviously this is neither reasonable nor tenable," reads the press release.

Bounce Milwaukee was the only entertainment center of its kind – featuring inflatable jump areas, rock climbing, laser tag, vintage arcade, axe throwing and more – in the City of Milwaukee. It is truly a loss for the city.

"Above all, we have tried to demonstrate that running a business honoring workers with fair pay, great benefits and supportive management is the most powerful business model possible," reads the release. "Thank you for nine amazing years."

Here is the full press release:

For the last nine years, we’ve tried to make Bounce Milwaukee more than just a family entertainment center. Yes, we wanted to create a space for families, friends and colleagues to bond through play. But more than that, we wanted to create a community within our community. We strived to build a business that placed our city, our workers and our future at the forefront of our decision making; despite that being incredibly difficult, we made it a tremendous success.

We’ve hosted hundreds of fundraisers for schools, nonprofits and progressive causes and electeds. We donated to hundreds more. We’ve become a hub for social justice groups to meet, plan and build capacity. We’ve prioritized sustainability with solar energy and electric vehicles, and won countless awards for our green business. During the Covid 19 pandemic, we donated our space to mutual aid organizations to ensure everyone in our community had access to food and hygiene products.

We’ve watched our guests grow up before our eyes, hosted thousands of birthday parties, bachelor(ette) parties, family reunions and even weddings. Every day, our employees had a laugh or a heartwarming moment alongside our guests in laser tag or on the rockwall. We’ve developed friendships and partnerships with so many Milwaukeeans and love this city even more than when we first opened our doors.

Above all, we have tried to demonstrate that running a business honoring workers with fair pay, great benefits and supportive management is the most powerful business model possible. We wholeheartedly encouraged our employees to unionize in 2021 and it has been an unequivocal success. Our greatest joy in owning Bounce has been watching the development of truly remarkable leaders, their individual growth and their unwavering bonds with each other.

In recent months, it has become clear that our landlords do not wish to retain us as tenants. They have chosen not only to raise our rent by 50 percent, but also to increase our deposit from $2600 to nearly $200,000. Obviously this is neither reasonable nor tenable. It’s not possible to stay in those conditions; nor is it fiscally or logistically possible to move such a large and unique business at this stage.

Bounce Milwaukee’s last day of operation will be August 31. We invite our guests to come play and create more memories with us before we say goodbye, and encourage them to show our brilliant employees appreciation for their hospitality and spirit. We have been moved and honored to be part of Milwaukee’s celebrations for almost a decade and hope to have been a part of warm memories for your families. Thank you for nine amazing years.