The Islander: Robert Gallagher
Business Owner Finds Meaning & Fun With New Ventures
By R. Daniel Cavazos
Robert Gallagher is having fun and finding meaning and purpose in his two SPI businesses.
Robert Gallagher was driving into the Rio Grande Valley for the first time in 2018, cruising through Harlingen, and realized he had discovered a destination.
"I hit Harlingen, saw the palm trees, and knew I was going to live here," Gallagher recalled.
Harlingen wasn’t his last stop. Gallagher was heading to South Padre Island. Once he got here, Gallagher found a place he wouldn't leave. The Texarkana native and retired postal worker had a new community to call home. He was looking to regroup and renew his life after the recent passing of his wife, Danita. They were married for nearly 42 years.
"I promised my wife I’d keep going on," Gallagher said.
It was understandably tough to do so. He searched for meaning in that first year after his wife died. Gallagher initially thought he would move to Port Aransas to be near his grown children and grandchildren, who live in nearby Port Lavaca. Gallagher’s daughter recommended he visit South Padre Island before making a final decision. He had never been here before.
"It's such a great place," he said of the Island. "I knew that right from the beginning."
Now, the cheerful and active Gallagher needed something to do, saying, "I was bored in retirement."
He joked about going back to being a dishwasher, which was his first job as a youngster. He settled on another idea. Gallagher would start a business.
Rides Of Adventure
It’s the official and belated ribbon cutting and grand opening of Nana’s 7D Cinema on Padre Boulevard.
It was a Nov. 4 event, last Thursday, and South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce representatives were there with the ribbons and giant scissors. The business owner was beaming, all smiles, welcoming visitors before snipping the red ribbon. The popcorn machine was going. It smelled and felt like going to the movies.
"I’m working 12 hours a day and having a blast," the business owner said.
Gallagher remarked to those gathered that he had "created a monster" with Nana's, a 3D cinema experience that simulates a roller coaster ride with special effects like rain, snow and wind while racing through vivid landscapes and the darkness of caves and caverns.
Robert Gallagher is preparing to open a second Island business - Nana's 9VR - with the help of James Dean.
There’s a nine-seat platform for riders as they wear 3D glasses and take in the adventures.
"It’s just unlimited what they’re doing," Gallagher said of the technology behind his 7D cinema.
There are over 60 ride choices at Nana’s, ranging from the adventures of Space Battle, Modern Rail and Mountain Chase, to horror-based rides like Vampire and Night Pearl. Each ride lasts five-to-12 minutes, costing $6 apiece.
"It adds a great amenity for the Island," said Alita Bagley, the SPI Chamber president. "It’s like a Disneyworld ride. I think it’s a great addition for families visiting the Island. It’s an exciting place to visit in addition to going to the beach."
Reviews on Nana’s Facebook page seem to agree.
Nana's offers a wide variety of visual rides with special effects.
"What a neat business to have on SPI!" Yara Flores Kunker said. "I’ve only been on one of these in Universal Studios. What a fun and funky spot!"
Significance Of Nana
The business has become a creative outlet for Gallagher while keeping him busy.
He will soon add a complimentary business, Nana’s 9VR, which he described as "like playing a video game but you’re in it," sitting in spinning chairs with a small computer backpack and eyepieces to amplify what a rider is watching.
The name "Nana" is everywhere at Gallagher’s two businesses at Sunchase Mall.
It carries much significance. "Nana" is the nickname Gallagher’s grandchildren had for his wife, and recalled with a smile that he went by "Boo-Boo."
"I’m having fun," he said of running his businesses. "I knew it’d be great. I’ve made so many friends here, and seeing the families coming in and enjoying what we offer, it’s just wonderful."
Nana’s 7D Cinema is open daily from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. at 1004 Padre Blvd., Suite G-1.
Robert Gallagher welcomes visitors to his grand opening and ribbon cutting last week at Nana's 7D Cinema.
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Island Matters | P.O. Box 2778 | South Padre Island, TX 78597
