Atari Hotels: Building a $124M Gaming-Themed Destination in Phoenix

In this episode of Inside Startup Investing, Chris Lustrino speaks with Jordan Taylor, managing member of Atari Hotels, about the development of a $124 million Atari-themed destination hotel planned for downtown Phoenix. (00:00–02:14) The project combines real estate development with immersive gaming culture, featuring a 91-room hotel, gaming-inspired experiences, and a venue for esports events, concerts, and creator gatherings. (03:21–13:14) Jordan explains how the team secured licensing rights from Atari, why Phoenix’s population growth and urban revitalization make it an ideal location, and how the hotel is designed to serve both travelers and the local community. (06:34–10:01) The conversation also dives into the investment structure behind the project, where investors acquire a majority interest in the physical real estate rather than just a brand concept. (04:39–05:36) Jordan walks through the $124 million capital stack, including equity from investors and family offices alongside construction financing. (05:42–06:16) Finally, they discuss how stabilization and refinancing could provide early liquidity for investors, followed by ongoing cash flow distributions and potential exit scenarios down the road. (19:28–21:10)