Celebrating a Win: Narrow Escape Rooms Named Brick and Mortar Business of the Year
We are thrilled to share some incredible news— Narrow Escape Rooms has been named Brick and Mortar Business of the Year at the Australian Ladies in Business Initiative (ALIBI) Awards! This honour, sponsored by Kylie King, recognises businesses that operate from their own commercial premises and celebrates the impact they have on their customers, community, and industry.
For us, this award isn’t just a trophy—it’s a validation of the passion, hard work, and resilience that our family and amazing team pour into Narrow Escape Rooms every single day.
Making a difference for our customers
One of the greatest joys of running this business is seeing the impact we have on our customers. Escape rooms offer something truly special: they bring people together, off their screens, to work collaboratively and creatively.
For families, it’s an opportunity to bond in a way that’s fun and engaging. Teenagers who might otherwise shy away from family outings light up as they solve puzzles alongside their parents—and even grandparents! Some of our most memorable moments come from multi-generational teams, with everyone contributing in their own way.
For businesses, our escape rooms are a refreshing alternative to traditional team-building activities. While sporting events are often competitive, escape rooms encourage teams to work together, fostering communication and problem-solving skills in a dynamic environment.
Giving Back to the Community
Community is at the heart of what we do. Over the past year, we’ve donated nearly $4,000 in vouchers to local schools, charities, sports teams, and not-for-profit groups. Beyond the walls of Narrow Escape Rooms, we’re proud of Shelley who is the Volunteer Event Director for Penrith Lakes parkrun, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. It’s a joy to connect with the community in such a meaningful way.
We also strive to be great employers. Our young team members bring energy and enthusiasm to their roles, and we’re committed to creating a workplace where they feel valued and supported. We make it a priority to listen to their ideas, provide mentorship, and celebrate their growth.
Navigating Challenges and Celebrating Achievements
The past 12 months have been a whirlwind. We faced a devastating flood earlier this year when a burst hot water system left our premises waterlogged. It was heartbreaking to see the damage, but with a lot of hard work and teamwork, we managed to reopen in time for the school holidays—a testament to the resilience of our team.
We’ve also felt the pinch of rising costs and the impact of cost-of-living pressures on our customers. Despite this, we’ve stayed committed to keeping our prices steady while focusing on targeted marketing, such as birthday party packages, which remain popular even in tough times.
Amid these challenges, we’ve had incredible wins:
- Our escape room The Inheritance was once again recognised internationally as a nominee for the Top Escape Rooms Project Enthusiasts Choice Awards (TERPECAs). As a family that designs and builds our own rooms, this achievement means the world to us.
- We brought our third director, Kit, on board full-time to focus on designing new rooms and managing our social media. Kit’s creativity and dedication are key to our growth.
- With help from an SEO strategy, we’ve increased our online visibility and now have over 1,300 glowing reviews on Google.
What Sets Us Apart
We are often asked what makes Narrow Escape Rooms unique, and it’s a question we love answering. Our escape rooms are custom-designed by us, ensuring each one offers an original experience with a mix of classic puzzles and high-tech surprises. We cater to players of all ages and experience levels, making our rooms suitable for beginners while still challenging seasoned enthusiasts.
But it’s not just the puzzles that set us apart—it’s the experience we provide. Every team has a dedicated game master who tailors hints to ensure the game stays fun and engaging. It’s this premium service that keeps our players coming back and talking about their experiences long after they’ve left.
A Vision of Success
For us, success isn’t just about profitability—it’s about balance. We want Narrow Escape Rooms to thrive financially so we can provide for our families, but we also want to create a business that runs smoothly enough for us to enjoy time with our loved ones. We hope our journey inspires our kids to follow their passions and shows them that it’s possible to turn a dream into reality.
Success also means giving back, whether through community involvement or mentoring young team members. We’re proud to contribute to the Penrith community and to support local suppliers, tradespeople, and events.
Thank You to Our Community
This award is a reflection of everyone who has supported us—from our loyal customers who bring their energy and curiosity to our games, to our incredible team, and to the wider community that has embraced us.
We’d also like to thank the ALIBI community and Kylie King for their ongoing encouragement and recognition of women in business. Being part of this network has been an inspiring experience, and we’re honoured to represent Narrow Escape Rooms among so many amazing businesses.
To everyone who has shared in our journey, thank you for helping make Narrow Escape Rooms what it is today. Here’s to more puzzles, more adventures, and more moments that bring people together.
The ALIBI Awards
The awards night was held on 26 October. Shelley was in attendance to accept the award on behalf of Narrow Escape Rooms, see her speech below.
