Hold on. You are thinking of opening an arcade in LA?
Wow!
Any more to this story?
Not really. Last time I was in LA (last November) and talked about the idea with Molly, she told me "82" was in the works and would likely be more successful than "Pins and Needles" (her warehouse style arcade in a sketchy part of LA).
I have my eye on a couple "hipster" areas with a fair amount of foot traffic. If the cost of entry isn't too crazy and gang activity is low, I'd definitely consider opening a place more in the spirit of "Modern Pinball" in NYC (pay per hour, day, etc.). Also double as a retail outlet where people can buy machines after trying them (most applicable to the newer Stern titles).
I'm at a point were I'm really happy with my collection…enjoy playing, tweaking, but don't really anticipate buying many more (obvious space limitations). Opening a public place for people to enjoy my collection would be a great new outlet for me. I think a bar environment would be tougher on the machines than a more low key, family friendly place. More importantly, I don't see myself owning a bar (with all the cost, insurance, and stuff that goes with the territory).
I'm not all that confident the "stars will align" on this project, but I'm nevertheless researching it. Never hurts to learn/look.
snaroff
