Can you escape?

Breakout 902 Escape Rooms opening in Coldbrook

The clock is ticking - do you have what it takes to solve the clues and get out of the room in time?

Annapolis Valley residents can now put their problem-solving and teamwork skills to the test in a new adventure escape room game in Coldbrook.

According to their website, Breakout 902 Escape Rooms are an exhilarating test of your wits where players solve a series of puzzles and riddles to escape.

Laurent Jacquard, who grew up in the Valley but now resides near Halifax, is the brainchild behind the new business venture. Previously working as a financial advisor and then in financial services for a car company, Jacquard found himself between jobs and knew exactly what he wanted to do.

The idea of running his own business always appealed to him. He says he loves to help people and make them happy. Combined with his creative and analytical mind, building an escape room was a perfect fit. Jacquard said he really wanted to create another fun opportunity for adults in the Valley, and these escape rooms will be the first of its kind in the area.

To create these games, Jacquard spent time with someone who had built other rooms, but also created it based on his experience playing in many other rooms in other cities.

“It turned out way better than I had thought,” he smiles.

Family project

Although Jacquard may have been the driving force, he says he could not have created the business without the help of his family.

The creation of the business was completely serendipitous, Jacquard says, with everything falling into place. Not only was he between jobs and ready for his change, so was his sister, Tanya Doucette. Doucette, who formerly worked at Wicker Emporium, will be the onsite manager of the new business in Coldbrook.

Jacquard’s father helped with the carpentry, even building some of the office furniture. The space itself needed little remodelling, and the family was also very familiar with it. In fact, years ago, when Jacquard’s mother rented office space for her psychological services, it was in this very spot.

“I spent time in Grade seven helping to put up these walls,” says Jacquard.

Although there had been other businesses in the space since his mother was there, the layout and configuration remained the same.

Everything was meant to be, he said.

About the rooms

Opening Aug. 1, Jacquard is now ready to share his escape rooms with the public.

The Breakout 902 Escape Rooms are meant to be played by four to eight players at a time, and it’s recommended for participants age 14 years and older. Anyone younger than 13 needs to be accompanied by an adult. Pre-booking is required; the cost is $25 per person plus taxes.

Currently, one room is available, known as the Bank Heist, where players are trying to find clues to crack the safe to get into the bank vault. A second room, Aunt Edna’s Condo, will open on Aug. 10, where players have to search for clues to find information about an inheritance.

Participants aren’t actually locked in the room, explains Doucette, and can get out if they need to do so.

“We want people to have fun, but not for it to be too easy,” says Jacquard.

To make it less frustrating and more enjoyable, unlimited clues are offered when requested.

With two rooms almost up and running and a third in the works, these escape rooms make for a perfect teambuilding activity for staff, family groups, or birthday parties, says Jacquard. There is also a board room where people can bring in their own food.

“I’m just so proud of him,” says Doucette about her brother. “He had a vision and he did it. I’m just so proud.”

Breakout 902 Escape Rooms are located around back of the strip mall in Coldbrook, across from Mcdonalds. Online bookings are now available.