About Us

Tactical Escape 101: A Detailed History of Growth, Resilience, and Community

Tactical Escape 101 is a locally owned and operated escape room brand that began as an unexpected spark of inspiration. Founded by Jennifer Fonfara and her family, it has grown into a celebrated business across Wisconsin. Built on faith, creativity, and a deep commitment to family and community, Tactical Escape 101 is more than just a business—it’s a story of resilience, determination, and joy.

How It All Began: February 2015

On February 8, 2015, Jennifer and her husband, Justin, were returning home from visiting their Navy sailors in Norfolk, Virginia, when Justin suggested they try an escape room. Jennifer wasn’t immediately thrilled by the idea but decided to give it a shot. To her surprise, she fell in love with the immersive, puzzle-solving experience.

With Jennifer’s MBA in Human Resources and their shared background in hospitality, the concept seemed like a perfect fit. Drawing on her years of experience working for Don and Rose Postle at Postle’s Skate City, Jennifer felt ready to take the leap. Her mentor, Don, often reminded her, “Sometimes God asks you to step out of the boat and trust Him.” Those words became a guiding principle.

Rapid Expansion: 2015–2016

The first Tactical Escape 101 location opened in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, on March 6, 2015. Fueled by its success, Jennifer and Justin expanded quickly:

• May 15, 2015: The second location opened in Hayward, Wisconsin.

• August 1, 2015: Eau Claire became the third location, opening right on schedule.

Scaling this quickly wasn’t without its challenges. By April 2015, Jennifer’s long-time friend Anita Sykes joined the team. Anita’s artistic talent became essential to the creative process. Jennifer says, “Anything I can dream, Anita can make beautiful.”

The momentum continued:

• January 6, 2016: During a TV interview, Jennifer casually mentioned La Crosse as the next location. By the beginning of the summer, Tactical Escape 101 opened its fourth location there.

However, Jennifer and Justin faced an overwhelming workload. “We didn’t really mean to start a business,” Jennifer admits. “We just meant to show someone else that this was possible and let them take over- But when opportunity knocks, you listen.”

By December 2, 2016, they had signed a lease in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Just 15 days later, on December 17, 2016, the Stevens Point location had its soft opening, becoming the fifth Tactical Escape 101 venue.

Growing Pains and Family Bonds: 2017–2019

The business’s rapid growth brought both triumphs and challenges:

• 2017: The Eau Claire location moved from Banbury Place to the Oakwood Mall. Initially hesitant, Jennifer was convinced after a deal she couldn’t refuse.

• Summer 2018: Rice Lake moved to the Cedar Mall.

• Early 2019: Hayward also upgraded to a larger location.

• November 2019: Tactical Escape 101 expanded outside of Wisconsin for the first time, opening its sixth location at the Maplewood Mall in Minnesota.

Unfortunately, late 2019 also marked the closure of the La Crosse location after three years. Financial challenges caused by escape room over-saturation in the area meant hard decisions had to be made.

Throughout these changes, family remained central. Jennifer’s brother, Bob, was a fixture in their lives and the business, traveling to locations with the family and spreading joy wherever he went. Bob’s presence reminded the team of the importance of love, family, and shared moments.

One of the brightest moments during this time came in December 2018 when Jennifer and Justin welcomed their first granddaughter, MaKaylie, into the family. Jennifer shares, “Her arrival filled our hearts with joy and gave us even more reason to keep moving forward.”

The COVID-19 Pandemic: 2020

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought the business to a standstill.

Jennifer and her team faced the possibility of losing everything they’d built. However, their determination and faith carried them through.

During this time, Jennifer recalls an emotional moment in their Rice Lake location: “I sat on the floor in the lobby. Shed some serious tears. Could this really be it? Could it really just be over?” But she wasn’t ready to give up.

• March 17, 2020: Tactical Escape 101 closed its doors, unsure if it would ever reopen.

• April 2020: Jennifer, dressed as the Easter Bunny, toured Rice Lake in the family’s red truck, spreading joy during a dark time.

After discussions with Justin, they decided to persevere. However, Justin felt called to a new venture, opening Mr. Fun’s Candy Shop in the Cedar Mall. Jennifer took the reins of Tactical Escape 101, determined to rebuild.

The family also faced a heartbreaking loss that year. In the fall of 2020, Jennifer’s brother Bob passed away. “For 52 years, he blessed us with endless smiles. Even our escape room guests, many of whom met Bob, sent flowers. We are still deeply moved,” Jennifer shares. Bob’s memory lives on in the heart of Tactical Escape 101, inspiring every effort to create joy and connection.

Amid the sadness came many sparks of joy: the family welcomed their daughter in law, Natasha and their second granddaughter, Nevaehlee, whose sweet smile became a source of light and inspiration during a challenging year. Jennifer reflects, “Her arrival reminded us that life, even in its hardest moments, continues to bring beauty and hope.”

A New Chapter: 2021–2024

• 2020: Some things are better- all private rooms!

• 2021: Rice Lake introduced mini-golf, adding a new dimension to the location.

• 2022: Jennifer’s grandson Brexton was born, bringing even more love and joy to the family. "He's a daredevil. Brave and funny."

• 2024: Tactical Escape 101 opened a new production facility in Rice Lake, giving Anita her own studio. They also launched their seventh location in Antigo, Wisconsin.

MaKaylie, Nevaehlee, and Brexton continue to light up the family’s lives along with the 5 grown Fonfara family children. Their laughter and joy serving as daily reminders of why Tactical Escape 101 exists—to bring happiness, connection, and memories to others.

A Legacy of Community and Gratitude

The journey of Tactical Escape 101 has been shaped by the many people behind it. We honor you all greatly but here's our "big 3":

• Anita Sykes: Jennifer’s best friend and creative partner. “Without you, Tactical Escape 101 would not be.”

• Andreas (Eau Claire): Eight years of steady leadership and heart.

• Tonya (Stevens Point): Seven years of dedication, direction and humor.

Bob remains a guiding light for the business. His spirit of joy and love inspires every new adventure. And in the smiling faces of grandchildren like MaKaylie, Nevaehlee, and Brexton, the Fonfara family finds renewed purpose and inspiration.

Looking Ahead

Jennifer’s vision for Tactical Escape 101 remains ambitious:

“Five amazing stores and the staff to go with them will be the base for more stores in the future. We have survived, improved, and grown stronger. Every smile, laugh, and interaction makes it all worth it. Thank you.”

Jennifer Fonfara

Owner, Operator, and Creator

Tactical Escape 101: Built on dreams, strengthened by challenges, and fueled by family, faith, and community.

General Information

Online Reservations Required! Great games & staff committed to your fun! Each location has new & unique experiences! Come Connect with your friends and family!

We are committed to being the best Escape Room Company we can be & value you- our guests and community. We offer a military and service discount to thank all current or past service and military members.

All reservations are private! Our Team building specialists will help you build the strongest work and play teams possible! Come in, practice your communication skills, train your team and find the road to FUN!

Great for families, adult friend groups (Kids make a great part of a team but are not the focus group of our escape rooms) and teams of all kinds.

Come play a game soon!

CANCELLATION POLICY

NO REFUNDS- ALL SALES ARE FINAL.

We will be happy to reschedule your reservation up to 2 times. Please let us know as soon as possible.

No Call, No Show appointments, calls within 2 hours and those that show after their scheduled start time will forfeit 100% of all charges, certificates and discounts.

RESPECT, ILLNESS and RIGHT TO REFUSE SERVICE:

We hold the right to refuse service to any customer that is disrespectful, intoxicated or ill. In these cases, no refund will be given. All damage to property will be charged to the credit card on file. We know that accidents happen, but unreasonable negligence will not be tolerated and will result in charges to cover the replacement of items lost.

We reserve the right to refuse service to any guest who appears ill. We will do our best to reschedule you but any guest appearing ill or overly intoxicated will be asked to leave immediately. Arrangements will have to be made at a later time via phone or email and a rescheduling fee may apply.

Our employee’s health is very important to us. All members of the TE101 family are to be treated with utmost respect.

AGE: Our minimum age to play with a group is 5. All players must be listed on the reservation regardless of age though only ages 5+ count as paid players. We ask thatyoung children be kept in a stroller or body pack at all times. Please know that Tactical Escape 101 employees may not be used for childcare and all younger players must be supervised in the adventure by an adult at all times.

LET'S HAVE SOME FUN