Red Engine may sound surprising as a name for a darts and shuffleboard bar company, but Steve Moore’s choice reflects a significant personal journey: a nine-month adventure driving a fire engine across the globe.

Since launching its first venue in 2015, Red Engine has expanded to 29 locations, including 22 bars themed around darts under the Flight Club brand and seven Electric Shuffle venues featuring the game of shuffleboard.

So, what inspired Moore to traverse the world in a fire truck? In 2010, following the death of his father Garth from lung cancer, Moore embarked on this mission to raise funds for cancer charities, raising over £100,000 in the process.

Now 47, Moore hails from Wimborne Minster, Dorset, where he was raised in a family dedicated to public service. His relatives included RAF personnel, an NHS nurse mother, and a brother in law enforcement. Moore humorously considers his choice to study economics and work in finance a disappointment to his family.

However, a career in the high-stakes finance world was not a good match for him. After his father’s cancer diagnosis in 2008, Moore found himself accompanying him to chemotherapy sessions. Inspired by Ewan McGregor’s documentary series, he decided to respond to familial tragedy with a unique fundraising adventure.

With determination, he organized the Follow That Fire Engine team in 2010 and drove 30,000 miles through 32 countries and five continents, overcoming unpredictable terrains and treacherous incidents. This journey not only garnered significant funds but also secured Moore a Guinness World Record for the longest fire engine journey.

Moore described the experience as challenging, where he had to acquire skills like truck mechanics and survival techniques. He recalls a particularly breathtaking moment involving a six-week journey through the vastness of Mongolia.

Upon returning to London, Moore returned to the finance sector but struggled to find satisfaction in his work, feeling fundamentally changed after his global trek. An encounter in a Devon pub with friend and future business partner Paul Barham in 2012 sparked the idea for Flight Club, inspired by a lively group playing darts.

Flight Club reimagines traditional darts games, blending them with gourmet food and cocktails in fun, carnival-like venues. Innovative technology enhances the experience by tracking scores and displaying results on screens.

In 2019, they launched Electric Shuffle, which offers a similar social experience focused around shuffleboard. The initial prototype came about in 2012, although the development took longer than anticipated. To manage costs, Barham moved in with Moore and his family, transforming their living space into a workshop.

The co-founders faced immense challenges, working diligently to create a product in an entirely new industry of ‘competitive socialising.’ Despite the stress and strain that came with family obligations, they persevered, eventually eliciting support from family and friends to raise £1.2 million for their first Flight Club location in Shoreditch.

This successful opening led to rapid growth, leveraging a unique approach to social nightlife in a market ripe for inventive concepts. The company moved fast, attracting additional team members from their volunteer base to support ongoing expansion efforts.

As of now, Red Engine employs about 130 people and operates 29 venues globally, supported by a diverse group of investors. Flight Club’s revenue reached £68.6 million in 2023, with Electric Shuffle earning £10.7 million dual operational profits.

Looking towards future projections, Red Engine anticipates revenues of £125 million by the end of 2024. This expansion plan also includes a substantial new venue in New York City and further developments across Europe.

Despite facing challenges such as increasing competition in the social entertainment space and pandemic-related shutdowns, Moore remains optimistic. He believes that the ongoing consumer preference for quality and memorable experiences positions Flight Club favorably in the market.

Moore’s father’s picture is prominently displayed in every Flight Club location as a solemn reminder of the roots of his journey. He asserts his commitment to his vision, emphasizing a long-term goal of spreading joy through his businesses.

Highlights

My inspiration … Tim Booth of the band James inspires me spiritually.

Best choice made … Convincing the fire chief to donate a fire engine was crucial to our success.

Challenging decision … Opening Flight Club Victoria was a risky decision made hastily due to demand.

Funniest memory … Dressing in a duck suit for a game launch for 12 hours was a hilarious experience.

Key business advice … Always consider the guest’s perspective when operating in hospitality.