Garwood Escapology 'Reinvents' Itself, Offers Virtual Experience

GARWOOD, NJ — It's time to escape your home, escape reality, and head over to Escapology in Garwood, owner Michelle DiChiaro of Westfield said.

DiChiaro and her husband Michael along with Clark couple Jimmy and Ana Minniti have "reinvented" their business to adapt to the coronavirus pandemic.

The two couples opened Escapology, an escape game location, in November 2017 at 300 South Ave.

Unlike other escape businesses, DiChiaro says Escapology offers a "full emersion experience with a full story created for you."

Continuing to offer an escape for residents amid the pandemic, Escapology offers a private party room that can hold groups of 8 to 16 depending on their comfort level.

"We are adapting to people’s comfort levels but still offer the same feel and experience," DiChiaro said.

Parties also include pizza, hot food, and all of the utensils needed.

Keeping things safe, DiChiaro said they have increased the time between every game from 10 to 30 minutes to allow for cleaning. Guests who arrive also will have their temperatures checked, sign waivers, and masks are required.

Escapology is also offering a virtual experience for those that may want to have a virtual business team-building experience.

How it works is a game master enters the room with a phone attached to them and players can virtually instruct the master where to go and what to interact with.

"This was 100 percent created because of the pandemic," DiChiaro said. "We had to reinvent ourselves."

Now the Union County couples are expanding to open their second location inside the iconic Bell Works Building at 101 Crawfords Corner Road in Holmdel on Thursday.

A ribbon cutting will be held at 5 p.m. followed by a tour for guests who will have a chance to win a free Apple watch and free escape games. There will also be T-shirts given away and music from DJ John. Cousin’s Maine Lobster Food Truck will also be parked outside.

For more information on Escapology or to book a reservation visit escapology.com/en/garwood-nj or instagram.com/escapologynj or facebook.com/EscapologyNJ.

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