Upon entering Fizzy’s Arcade, customers are greeted by the inviting staff, and after paying the $15 admission, the fun can begin with all kinds of games that are free to play.
The arcade creates a fun environment where anyone of any age can experience the joy of an 80s style arcade. Fizzy’s Arcade is located on Route 405 in Milton.
Owner Ms. Christina Anderson said her husband and business partner Mr. Bret Anderson has collected arcade machines and pinball machines for over a decade.
Mr. Anderson said it all began when he bought an empty arcade cabinet 13 years ago and began looking for all the parts to build Donkey Kong Junior. After restoring that game, he said that it became one of his favorites along with Donkey Kong, Frogger and Pole Position. He began making friends in the hobby and started fixing and collecting other games, he added.
Ms. Anderson said the idea of starting an arcade came up in conversation because the games they had were just sitting in their basement. So, they began researching the area for other arcades, she added.
While researching, Ms. Anderson said she came across Bucknell’s Small Business Development Center and saw that there were free seminars about how to start a business, so she began to attend them.
While attending the seminars, they shared their idea for the arcade and the people working at the business center really liked the idea, Ms. Anderson said. “They were like a huge part in helping us just because we didn’t know anything,” she added.
“We were able to secure financing and get a business loan. Then it was off and running,” Ms. Anderson said.
Many games came from their collection, but others were purchased online or were bought from people in the community who want to see their games being enjoyed by others, said Mr. Anderson.
Mr. Anderson said that he does the maintenance on the games. He added that he taught himself how to with Google, YouTube and other online forums where collectors collaborate.
“We’ve only been open for about two months, but we’ve seen a little bit of everyone come through: families, teenagers, young adults, older adults… and from all different backgrounds,” said Mr. Anderson.
The arcade has about 50 games including arcade games, pinball machines, a pool table and an air hockey table. They also have board games, movies, drinks and tables. The arcade is open Friday 5 p.m. to midnight, Saturday noon to midnight and Sunday noon to 8 p.m.
