PILOT MOUNTAIN — After a month of tweaking, a new Pilot Mountain business is open and ready to grow.

The Pilot Business Center is open at 108 Heatherly Creek Drive, just off Key Street. The business offers a variety of services, including faxing, copying and scanning.

But, General Manager Gerald Fowler is quick to acknowledge, it is another feature that is the business’s main attraction.

“Most people come in for a chance to play the games,” Fowler said. “This is really popular right now and it’s growing fast.”

The primary product being sold by the business will be Internet time, which customers will purchase for use at one of the 25 computer terminals that are spaced throughout the facility. Prepaid Internet and computer usage is made available at a rate of 20 cents per minute.

With each purchase of Internet time, customers are also given sweepstakes entries which may be used to play one of the 24 games which are on each terminal. Players then have the chance to win cash. Daily or weekly drawings are also held intermittently, giving customers an opportunity to win prizes ranging from cash to electronics.

The business has focused on creating an enjoyable atmosphere that is clean, safe and comfortable. The colorful, creative décor lends to the ambience, as does a snack bar and lounge area. Wide screen televisions are mounted at regular intervals and a room has been designated as smoke-free.

A Shoals native and Pilot Mountain resident, Fowler has followed the exploding popularity of such businesses and was aware of an opportunity in the fast-growing market. He eagerly accepted when King resident and long-time friend John Mathis offered him the opportunity to manage a facility in Pilot Mountain.

Mathis, who also owns multiple area construction-related businesses, had friends involved in facilities similar to the Pilot Business Center and saw a prime opportunity. He is planning to open a second center in Tobaccoville later this month.

The local business originally opened in early January under the banner of “Lucky 21 Sweepstakes.” That name has since been changed due to legal issues.

Another change forced the business to close briefly earlier this month as new equipment was installed. Mathis and Fowler expect that move to pay long-term dividends, however, as it allowed the facility to offer the popular IIT/Oklahoma game machines.

“I really enjoy this,” Fowler noted, “and people love the games. It’s still new to this area and there’s a great potential. We’re excited to be in Pilot Mountain.”

For more information on any of its services, Pilot Business Center can be reached at 368-1141.