As a classic video game collector, Paul Kermizian wanted an excuse to keep buying games, while also finding a new business opportunity.
The result: Barcade®, an innovative nightlife concept that blends vintage arcade games with craft beer and other spirits, has grown to nine locations nationwide. “It’s a lot of fun to own and operate,” said Kermizian, the CEO of the brand and one of the original co-founders.
Fishtown was a natural fit. “We saw it was an emerging neighborhood filled with young people and a vibrant nightlife,” he said. “We loved the vibe. Fishtown has this cool, transforming community with a lot of character.”
By the time Barcade® opened in Fishtown in 2011 — the company’s third location — there was already momentum from the original spot in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Williamsburg, which launched in 2004. The concept quickly caught on in Philadelphia, where classic arcades were scarce. Drawing visitors from the suburbs and New Jersey, the bar exceeded expectations through the years leading up to the pandemic.
“I try to create an environment where people feel comfortable and want to return,” said Brian Winget, the assistant general manager and 20-year bartending veteran at Fishtown’s Barcade®. “When it’s not too busy, I always love catching up with regulars.” The community is what makes the job special, he said.
Today, Barcade® has expanded to nine locations, which include Manhattan’s Chelsea, East Village, and Financial District neighborhoods, Center City Philadelphia, Detroit, New Haven, and Highland Park in Los Angeles. All of the venues, including Center City and Fishtown, continue to thrive, especially as more people continue to seek out entertainment, nightlife, and social interaction.
At its core, the experience is simple: play classic games, drink great beer and cocktails, and have fun.
The Fishtown location features 48 favorite vintage arcade games, including Donkey Kong, Asteroids, Mortal Kombat II, Ms. Pac-Man, X-Men, Sega Rally Twin, and The Simpsons; and pinball machines including Jaws, Pokémon, Fish Tales, Gilligan’s Island, and Addams Family. These are all powered by Barcade® tokens. Each token costs 25 cents. Most video games cost 1 or 2 tokens, while pinball games cost 2 or 3 tokens.
The gaming pairs with 24 American craft beers on tap — including Victory, Yards, and Sly Fox — plus cocktails, spirits, and non-alcoholic options.
The food menu puts a creative spin on pub favorites, from tacos and nachos to pork or chicken sliders and sandwiches. Weekly deals like $1 hot dogs on Mondays and $1 tacos on Wednesdays keep the regulars coming back.
Kermizian is a former production manager for a show on The History Channel, who has also directed and produced films and music videos.
His biggest show for the channel was “History Versus Hollywood,” consisting of a series of one-hour films comparing movies to historical events. These films included “Gangs of New York” and “The Last Samurai” and featured interviews with A-list directors and actors from the films, including Tom Cruise. As a director, he is best known for the indie film “American Beer.”
Initially, he saw Barcade® as a side hustle. But as it grew, it became his full-time focus.
“From the start, it took up so much of my time that I gradually stepped away from film,” he said. “It’s been quite an adventure.”
The company’s four remaining partners (of the original five) who make up the board are Kermizian, Peter Langway, and brothers Kevin and Scott Beard. Barcade® is also accepting franchise inquiries.
Where Everybody Knows Your Name
While bars with arcade games existed before, Barcade® helped define the modern arcade bar model by intentionally pairing classic gaming with a craft beer program. The original Brooklyn location is widely credited with inspiring the now-booming arcade bar trend across the country.
The venue has also become a go-to spot for private events. Guests can reserve space for parties or even rent out the entire bar.
One of the most memorable events at the Fishtown location? A zombie-themed wedding in 2012, complete with costumed guests who were found groan-humming when the bride walked down the aisle to meet her groom — a celebration that drew both laughter and media attention.
Brian Winget, the assistant general manager and a 20-year bartending veteran, says the community is what makes the job special.
“I try to create an environment where people feel comfortable and want to return,” he said. “When it’s not too busy, I always love catching up with regulars.”
The bar also draws crowds during major events like the Craft Brewers Conference and beer festivals. Its proximity to venues like The Fillmore, Brooklyn Bowl, and The Foundry adds a steady flow of music fans.
Pinball enthusiasts also show up. The Philadelphia Pinball League hosts competitions at Barcade four times a year, attracting players of all skill levels — from beginners to serious competitors.
This year marks a milestone: the Fishtown location’s 15th anniversary on October 10th. Plans include special menu items, aged kegs, and a curated music playlist.
When it comes to children’s and adult birthday parties and special events, Barcade® has become a sought-after destination. Patrons can buy out the entire venue for a private party or make a reservation for a group of 10 or more for a special event.
Barcade® Hosts Sunday Family Day
While Barcade is typically 21-plus, its beloved Family Days — held the first Sunday of each month from noon to 5 p.m. — open the doors to all ages. Special holiday weekends, including Father’s Day and Thanksgiving, also welcome families. Right now, they are hosting Family Day every Sunday due to their popularity.
Parents can bring kids to experience old-school gaming, complete with tokens and the satisfying clink of the token drop. Non-alcoholic drinks, including sodas, juices, and Shirley Temples, are always available.
“It’s about focusing on the thrill of the game,” Kermizian said. “That classic arcade experience.”
Barcade® locations are certified green by the Green Restaurant Association, a national non-profit organization that recognizes and certifies environmentally responsible restaurant and bar operations.
The venue began utilizing the tagline “The Original Arcade Bar” in 2015 as a way to distinguish itself from the hundreds of arcade bars that have now opened across the United States. Many of these arcade bars cite Barcade as their inspiration.
In 2008, the Brooklyn location was named one of the best bars in America by Esquire Magazine. In 2013, Brooklyn’s Barcade® was named the best bar in New York City by the social media website Foursquare.
In 2013, Barcade® in Philadelphia was named the city’s best craft beer bar by the Amazon TV Show “Brew Dogs.”
Based on his experience, Kermizian’s advice to prospective business owners entering the nightlife business is that “it seems easy and fun owning a bar, but you have to take it seriously,” he explained. “We realized early on that there are a lot of rules, especially about when you are allowed to drink at your bar and when you are not.”
Kermizian, who is based in Jersey City, is keeping his hand in the entertainment arena and has made “Barcade, The Movie,” an upcoming indie film that is currently in post-production and plans to submit it to film festivals later this year.
Games he especially enjoys are Taper, Pac Man: Battle Royale, and Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker. When it comes to food, he usually gets the tacos or quesadillas.
One of the highlights of Barcade® is sharing it with his 12-year-old daughter. “When she was younger, I would also take her to our warehouse that is filled with games, and later we would go to Family Day,” Kermizian recalled, adding that now she prefers driving games like Crazy Taxi and Daytona USA.
“With all of her exposure to a lot of video games and pinball machines, she knows her way around the birthday parties,” he said. “So, she would always know the best ones to take her friends over to once they arrived.”
