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Looking to relieve some of that stress in a fun and not-so-modest way? Well, as of Saturday, people can experience that therapeutic release by smashing objects and splattering paint inside Pleasanton’s first-ever iSmash facility.
Located inside the Rose Pavilion shopping center — 4275 Rosewood Drive, unit 25 — iSmash is a nationwide rage room and splatter paint destination that aims to bring a “bold, immersive entertainment concept to the East Bay”. This marks the first iSmash facility to also open in the entire West Coast.
“Opening the first iSmash on the West Coast right here in Pleasanton is incredibly exciting,” Michael Hardman, one of the two local entrepreneurs who spearheaded the opening of this facility, said in a press release announcing the opening of the new business. “We wanted to create an experience that feels energetic, polished, and welcoming — something people can come back to again and again, whether they’re celebrating or just need a release.”
Founded in 2018 by iSmash CEO Steven Shortino in Rochester, N.Y., the business idea was inspired by Shortino’s desire to create “unique, cathartic experiences”, according to the company.
After launching his first location in the East Coast, the business quickly grew as it offered a mix of different activities, including rage rooms, black light splatter painting and axe throwing, which will all now be available at the Pleasanton location. Rage rooms involve setting up objects and smashing them with things like baseball bats while splatter rooms involve individuals splattering paint all over canvases, the room and even themselves.
“Bringing iSmash to California marks a major milestone for our brand,” Shortino said. “Michael and Herman share our commitment to delivering safe, exciting and repeatable experiences. Their local roots and passion for the community make them ideal partners to introduce iSmash to the West Coast.”
According to the press release, Hardman and fellow entrepreneur Herman Yang both opened the franchise with one main goal in mind: establish iSmash Pleasanton as a “go-to entertainment destination for the East Bay community”.
Hardman is a professional in the insurance and automotive industries who will oversee day-to-day operations and Yang, who runs a financial planning practice, will help with the facility’s growth in the community.
According to Yianna Theodorou, president and CEO of the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce, the franchise location has already connected with the chamber in order to engage more with the business community in the Tri-Valley.
“We’ve been anticipating the opening of iSmash and are excited to welcome this unique, experience-based concept to Pleasanton,” Theodorou told the Weekly. “It brings something new to our business landscape and reflects a growing interest in interactive, wellness-focused experiences.”
According to the company, iSmash Pleasanton’s grand opening took place on Saturday. The facility provides safety gear and materials but also offers the option to allow guests to bring their own smashable items from home.
Children must be over the age of 3 for the splatter paint experience and at least 8 years old for the rage rooms.
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