Epic Escape Opens, Grows in Sutherlin

Epic Escape opened for business in Sutherlin less than two months ago and is already expanding. When Drew and Casey Snow saw that the owner was planning on selling the escape room, they jumped at the opportunity to run a fun business that brings people together. The bought the business in July, and opened July 31. The first phase of the expansion is set to open in the same building but a few doors down on Oct. 1. The expansion will include a haunted house, a party room, the original escape room, and a new Halloween-themed room. After Halloween, they will add another escape room, move the original room over with a new theme, and replace the haunted house with a 9-hole, glow-in-the-dark, mini-golf course. “We believe in what we’re doing,” Drew said. “The goal at the end of the day is to give everyone in the area a reprieve.” Drew said the owner saw the impact the escape room was having and wanted more, so he offered them the building. Expanding into a space like the 5500 square foot building was part of the five-year plan and now it’s happening in six months. Drew said it’s been a busy time balancing everything, but it’s worth it to see the impact the business is having and giving people an escape. Casey grew up in Sutherlin and is thrilled to be a part of offering something fun for families in the area with her husband. “I grew up here in the community and as a kid, we were starved for entertainment, so hearing people say ‘yes, that’s exactly what we need’ is so validating,” Casey said. The Snows set up a firm friends and family, or “framily,” rule of no technology while in the room as a way for people to disconnect from the stressors of their lives and to reconnect with the people who matter most. “Mental health matters, and we are in a time when individuals and families are feeling more isolated than ever before which fuels our passion for driving real change this way.” Drew said The Snows believe in giving back, so they are working with local first responders, schools, teachers, and veterans on special deals. “We were having an impact with the other unit -- families, friends, and colleagues were having a great time,” Drew said. “Even though it has not been easy we truly feel we can have an even bigger impact with more space for more fun activities. We’re watching families and friends alike connect on a level they haven’t ever before. Something special happens when you send a group on an adventure, without distractions, filled with mysteries to solve together. We’re watching fathers connecting with their daughters, parents talking about how much fun their kids are having and how they haven’t had that type of experience before.” Each experience will be one group at a time for social distancing, but they will keep adding experiences so more people can have a place to go to connect with each other and set the problems of the world aside.