Roller Skating Rink Opens in Murrieta

A roller skating rink that opened Sunday in southwest Riverside County was already buzzing with activity Monday.

Owned and operated by husband and wife, Joe and Shauna Grammatico, of Murrieta, EPiC Rollertainment is now open at 39809 Avenida Acacias, Suite K in Murrieta. In a 28,000-square-foot facility that once housed a furniture store, it’s the fulfillment of Shauna’s lifelong dream that began when as a teenager, she worked at a Phoenix, Ariz. roller skating rink.

Murrieta is the lucky recipient of that dream, most would agree.

“I am visiting family who lives in Murrieta and they have been waiting anxiously for this place to open,” said Angelica Bays, 48, of San Diego, as she balanced herself in a pair of roller skates.

“The last time I went roller skating was 30 years ago,” said Bays, who was at EPiC to help celebrate her niece, Hannah Smith’s, 13th birthday.

The rink held a soft opening over the weekend, and word spread fast throughout Murrieta and neighboring communities. An adult skate session was held Sunday night for those 18 and older. On Monday, the rink held a holiday hours session from noon to 4 p.m. for local schoolchildren who are on winter break. Holiday sessions will continue throughout the break.

Eight-year-old Devyn Van Riper and her sister, 10-year-old Rylee, of Menifee, were at the rink Sunday and Monday with their father.

“It is really awesome!” said Devyn. “It is better than any other rink I’ve been to.”

Rylee chimed in to say she likes the “disco balls and all the lights.” The rink’s beach theme was also a hit in Rylee’s eyes.

In addition to an 11,000-square-foot wooden rink, EPiC includes a play area for younger children, a food truck-style snack bar built inside a 1970s-model step van, a prize counter, an arcade, a retail skate shop, three party rooms, lockers for customers’ belongings, a Wi-fi area and ample seating throughout.

About 75 employees—mostly part-time—were hired and trained to work in various positions throughout the venue.

It is all a dream come true for Shauna, whose goal of opening the rink launched into high gear about three years ago when the couple hired Bill Carlson, a seasoned consultant familiar with the business.

“I felt she had a vision of what the new age of roller skating would be, so I said ‘I can help you but you’ve got to put in the work,” Carlson told Patch. “And she never wavered.”

Carlson said consistent with the Grammatico's vision, EPiC offers the nostalgia associated with roller skating rinks combined with activities appealing to today's society.

Six months after city approval was obtained—and many late-night phone calls later, according to Carlson—EPiC’s doors have opened.

“We really looked at the demographics of Murrieta because we wanted to offer something for all ages,” Shauna said.

In addition to daily skate sessions, EPiC is planning a New Year’s Eve celebration. In January, an official grand opening will be held.

For more information, visit Epicrollertainment.com.