![]() “The closest arcade-bar is in Tacoma, so it seemed like a good halfway point between Portland,” Keli Coleman said. The couple was at one of their many local rentals in Centralia last May when they saw the 111-year old North Tower building with its big leasing sign and recognizable “B’ Jays Bistro” sign out front. But we have multiple rental properties here in Centralia and we really like the area.” “And originally we wanted to open an arcade-base in Olympia just because we live there or Lacey. “It was just so fun and it kind of inspired us,” said Keli Coleman. “I was just blown away,” Dan Coleman said of the revered arcade-watering hole. They found their inspiration during a night out in the downtown area, located in a little basement with a banner that read “Quarters Arcade Bar.” Shortly before the start of the coronavirus pandemic, the couple flew out to Salt Lake City to see family. Throughout that time, Coleman’s collection of classic video games grew, but the couple, who’ve been together for five years, had never thought of opening their own arcade. He joined the Air Force and met Keli while both of them were working in an administrative courthouse office. “And we would just play ‘Samurai Shodown’ until every quarter was gone.”Ĭoleman eventually grew up, but his love of video games remained. “I had a $10 bill and then made change - I’d feel like the richest person in the world,” Coleman said. A local sandwich shop in one of his friend’s neighborhoods hosted some original cabinets, some pool tables and Coleman’s game of choice - “Samurai Shodown.” It was all about “Street Fighter II” and the original Nintendo Entertainment System for Coleman growing up as a youth in Springfield, Ohio. “We’re hoping people have nostalgia … and then, for their children, you want to be able to bring your kids along with you and enjoy that whole nostalgia - the stuff you grew up on - but also have games there for them,” Dan Coleman said. The Colemans say their vision for the establishment is to be a place that’s family-friendly but one that also caters to the older pinball wizards, cabinet aficionados and classic arcade gamers. Their business, aptly-named Insert Coin, will feature about 100 cabinets of retro games, self-serve beer taps, liquor and ciders, food options and a kids area when it opens this June. and are currently working on renovating the downstairs portion to house their retro arcade-bar. So much so that the retro gamer-turned property manager is planning on opening his own arcade-bar in downtown Centralia later this year.Ĭoleman, alongside wife Keli Coleman, both 39 and of Lacey, recently bought space at 309 N Tower Ave. ![]() We do not allow outside food.Ī: We don’t have a phone! Please use the contact form at the bottom of the page.The clittering of coins dropping into a cabinet, warming hues of neon lights and the rhythmic and descending blips of the Pac-Man game. Q: Do you have food? Do you allow outside food?Ī: Yes we do have food! We proudly serve Salvatore’s pizzas, along with a few other snack options (including Lunchables!). We've got ATM's and change machines ready for you.Ī: We have extra large tables that are perfect for board games, and a whole room dedicated towards chiller hangs. Q: Can I bring my kids/younger siblings to I/O?Ī: I/O is strictly 21+, but we do have all ages time every Saturday and Sunday from 11am-2pm! Keep in mind that we will not serve alcohol to anyone under 21 for any reason.Ī: We kick it old school - All of our games run on quarters. ![]() Use the contact form at the bottom of the page to let us know when you and your group are showing up! If it’s less than 20 people, no worries about giving us a headsup - we’ll be able to take care of ya. A: You can now buy gift cards online! Visit Ī: We do not offer private events, but we’ll almost always have room for you and your group. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |