(Thanks to George A. for the tip!)
In August of last year we heard news of a new barcade location that was opening its doors in Columbus, OH (pictured) that went by the name of 16-bit Bar. They started off with a solid selection of 40+ classic games and between their setup and their marketing, they are now ready to expand into not just one but possibly two other locations in Ohio.
For starters, a new location in Cleveland is already confirmed, as you can read on this article by Columbusunderground.com. The location has around 4000 sq. ft. which means more games and space for customers to enjoy themselves. The planned opening will happen this Summer in July so there is not a list of the games yet but I imagine that it will be similar in some instances to what they have at the Columbus location. The article also mentions skeeball tournaments so that seems to be a likely addition. The article also mentions that the owner, Troy Allen, is looking into expanding into Cincinnati as well but that will probably take place sometime after the 2nd location is up and running.
You can see the current games list of the Columbus location here. It’s good to hear of the expansion of any location although it does seem like it happens more frequently with barcades – examples that quickly come to mind are second locations for venues like Ground Kontrol in Oregon or Insert Coin(s) expanding into Minnesota from Las Vegas.
On a semi-unrelated note, the city of Glendale, CA is finally putting their classic games up on the auction block.
Can’t believe both this site and Mr. Allen have not been sent cease and desist letters from the guys in Brooklyn that think they invented the Bar / arcade (guess I’ll get a letter for puttting those 2 words so close together).
“Barcades” have been around since Pong showed up at Andy Capp’s Bar back in 1972. So no one location that uses the name Barcade would have standing to sue everyone for the idea.
I agree…..but tell that to the barcade guys in NYC getting their lawyers to send out cease and desist letters to anyone that puts those two words together. The letter is worded like they own the entire concept and the word barcade. My friend got a letter.