This week, Chamber Marketing Assistant Kendle Lambert had the opportunity to sit down with Robyn Slate and Nate Morrison, the dynamic duo behind Escape the cLock.
Robyn and Nate, who have been together for 12 years, each bring a unique set of skills to their business. Nate, a graduate of Oklahoma State University with a degree in mechanics, and Robyn, a Kansas State alumna with a degree in business, have combined their expertise to create something truly special.
Their journey to opening an escape room business began after a trip to Colorado, where they were inspired by a fun experience at a local escape room. Upon returning to Garden City, they decided to make a bold change, closing their successful tobacco and e-cigarette shop to pursue their dream. In 2017, Escape the cLock opened its doors, offering the community an exciting, immersive experience unlike anything else in town.
Escape the cLock features a variety of themed rooms where players must solve puzzles and clues to “escape” within a set time. Every room is entirely handcrafted by Robyn and Nate. Robyn starts by developing the theme and initial clues, while Nate focuses on the technical details and execution. One of their latest creations, “Sunken Sea Grits,” challenges players to escape from a submarine before navigating through an open sea scenario. When asked about how often they change the rooms, Robyn and Nate explained that they are always working on something new. Once one room is fully operational, they immediately begin designing the next one, ensuring there’s always fresh content for returning customers. With rooms suitable for all ages and skill levels, Escape the cLock offers something for everyone, from family-friendly adventures to more challenging rooms for adults. This season, don’t miss out on holiday-themed experiences like “How the Sheriff Stole Christmas” or test your survival skills in the post-apocalyptic “Undead End.”
In addition to escape rooms, Escape the cLock is home to The Dragon’s Den, a gift shop that caters to fans of Dungeons and Dragons. The shop features unique gifts, custom dice, escape room board games, books, and other fun items—perfect for holiday shopping.
Beneath the storefront is the workshop where Nate and Robyn bring their creative visions to life. Over time, Nate has assembled an impressive collection of tools, although they occasionally outsource work to local businesses, reinforcing their commitment to supporting the community. They’ve even added a team-building feature for local businesses, offering special pricing and hours to accommodate corporate events.
Escape the cLock has truly become a Garden City gem, providing innovative and entertaining experiences for the whole community!
Escape the Clock
124 N. Main St.
Garden City, KS 67846
(620) 805-5064
www.escapetheclockgc.com