Meet Chris Towers | Engineer & Master of Scare Tactics

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chris Towers and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chris, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
The Haunt in Atascadero is the longest-running and most renowned haunted house in San Luis Obispo County. It began as a humble garage haunt in San Diego, driven by a young man’s dream of building cool stuff and scaring people in the process. After attending Cal Poly SLO and graduating as an engineer, I brought this passion to Atascadero, rebuilding in the garage of my first home. Over time, that dream grew into the 3,200-square-foot attraction it is today, welcoming thousands of visitors annually since officially opening its doors in Atascadero in 2014.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Haunt in Atascadero is more than just a haunted house—it’s a testament to creativity, collaboration, and community spirit. What sets us apart isn’t just the scares we deliver but the passion and effort of the volunteers who bring it all to life. Every set, costume, and scare results from countless hours poured in by a dedicated team of artists, builders, performers, and enthusiasts working together to create an unforgettable experience.

Like any business, we’ve had our share of growing pains. We’re currently transitioning our business model, and with that comes challenges. There have been conflicts, disagreements, and moments where we’ve had to navigate uncharted territory, but these experiences only strengthen us. Through collaboration, we’ve learned to embrace differing ideas and perspectives, using them to refine our best practices and grow into an even better version of The Haunt.

As a volunteer-led operation, it can sometimes feel like herding cats. But at the end of the day, we all share the same goal: to scare the pants off our guests in the name of good fun. And that’s exactly what makes The Haunt special. When our guests walk through the doors, they feel that energy, that passion, and that joy we all have in creating something extraordinary together.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Atascadero is quickly becoming a destination, with a downtown full of shops, food, and experiences. Our friends at A-Town Chop Shop and The Poisoned Apple Tavern offer great spots to relax, enjoy entertainment, and soak up the local sights. And, of course, we occasionally offer special behind-the-scenes tours of The Haunt upon request for those curious about the magic behind the scares!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout goes to the incredible community of volunteers, artists, and creators who have been the backbone of The Haunt in Atascadero since its inception. Without their tireless efforts, creativity, and dedication, The Haunt wouldn’t be what it is today—a place where fear and fun collide.

I want to recognize the local community and our guests who keep returning year after year. Their support and enthusiasm fuel our drive to create more terrifyingly unforgettable experiences. It’s a collective effort, and I’m grateful to everyone who contributed to our story.

And, of course, my family and close friends, who encouraged me to turn a simple passion project into a full-scale immersive experience and have been with me along this journey.

Website: https://www.thehauntinatascadero.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehauntinatascadero/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-haunt-in-atascadero/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atascaderohaunt

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHauntinAtascadero