When Larisa Miller learned of the for-sale sign outside Eby’s Family Fun, her family jumped in the car to go see it for themselves. Eby’s Family Fun was the family-owned, go-to entertainment spot in Bristol for decades.
Miller would know; her father managed Eby’s for 20 years. It was where her father, a professional skater, coached her and her brothers as practice for champion skating competitions across the country.
“I immediately called my parents and said, ‘How do you feel about buying the skating rink?’” Miller said.
Her children picked a new name, JaRisa’s Fun Zone, as a mix between Miller and her husband’s names, Jason and Larisa. Her parents have shown up to work at the rink, and since late 2023, there’s been a bit of nostalgia brought back into the family and the community.
In addition to the skating rink, snack bar and 4,000-square-foot laser-tag arena, the Millers have added some new and modern features.
“We added axe throwing with state-of-the-art technology,” Miller said. “It comes with different games like Duck Hunter and Tic-Tac-Toe,” Miller said. “You put your names in and just like at a bowling alley, it’ll keep score for you. We’re the first facility in the area to have the Axcitement system installed in our building.”
Every few weeks a new game is made available. The snack bar has a special feature too.
“Chicago’s in downtown Bristol was closing and they gave their brick oven to us, so the brick-oven pizzas are popular,” Miller said. “We also received our beer and wine license in 2024, and we’ve added that in for axe-throwing patrons.”
Perhaps the main feature at JaRisa’s Fun Zone is the skating rink.
While some might think it’s a thing of the past, Miller said if anything, they are coming back in style, and her family knows what it takes to make the rink successful.
Not only are popular shows featuring artistic skaters and competitions making their way to living rooms across the country, but Grammy Award-winner Usher wore custom roller skates during the 2024 Super Bowl halftime show, piquing interest everywhere.
“A lot of rinks close because they are family owned and have been around for years,” Miller said. “It’s really a lifestyle. Most people who own a skating rink live right next door or have a place above it and they live on-site. You’re there constantly. The weekends are a nonstop marathon. It’s not for everybody but I enjoy it. I am a skater and I enjoy teaching the younger kids. Roller skating is one of the most affordable things families can do right now.”
Part of that marathon schedule includes the special events and options offered at the rink. For example, holidays always come with a special event, from a Valentine Skate to Skate with Santa. Purchase a wristband and receive options to skate or play laser tag.
Once per month, they offer Sip and Skate for those 21 and over, and through the holidays they support Toys for Tots to give back to the community. Bring in a toy or donate funds and skate for free.
There are beginner skate lessons available, skating parties, glow parties, laser-tag parties, axe-throwing parties, and the list goes on.
“Companies like to rent out the entire facility for their staff event, and our party pricing is done in sections because not everyone wants the entire facility; they just want the skating party or the axe throwing, etcetera,” Miller said.
At JaRisa’s Fun Zone customers can bring their own skates, rent traditional skates or rent in-line skates. They don’t do skate trainers for new skaters, but they do tighten the wheels until you get your balance. They’re also willing to teach you.
“My brothers still skate and my dad still skates,” Miller said. “He and my daughter are going out a lot and skating. They work on footwork and things like that. We have people pay to come in and just watch them. Our goal is for everyone to find something fun to do – not just for the kids, but for the entire family.”
Watch for lesson registration to open this spring, and visit jarisasfunzone.com for more information.
