Stratford is getting its very own arcade and it will be open to all! The grand opening of Deep 6 Arcade is tomorrow, September 3rd, and doors open at 3:30pm, just in time for school dismissal. Color me lucky, I had a sneak peek inside and can unequivocally share that it’s spectacular! With over twenty games to choose from, the space offers a party room, a bar and food area, rows and rows of old school games like The Simpsons, Skee Ball, Pac Man, and so much more! There’s even a cigarette vending machine (though it’s not exactly what you think it might be).
Not only did I get a great tour of the location, but also a chance to speak with co-owners Kyle Corcoran and Justin Greenfeld. They really are two guys who love arcade games, finding and restoring them. In my brief time speaking with them, what I truly understood is that they love the transformative power that rests in the arcade community. Both said that they want the arcade to be a place for all generations to come, play the games, and make memories as a family.
In speaking with Kyle, his love for arcade games has long been a part of his life. His passion for restoring them began when his son showed interest in arcade games, too! Before he knew it, Kyle‘s garage was filled with games like old-school Pac-Man, Gauntlet, and other games that he and his son spent time restoring together. Kyle says,“ I am an electrician by trade. So whenever I’d find an arcade game that needed some fixing, I was able to do it.” When asked how long he’d loved arcade games, Kyle could not give an exact age, but sharing that love and spending that time with his son makes it something even more special.
Kyle found a kindred spirit in co-owner Justin. With a background in marketing and a Deep 6 business of his own, the pair undertook the big job of restoring a storefront that in recent years has seen several restaurants come and go—IHOP was briefly interested in it. Kyle and Justin spent months repairing the space to fit their 1980s nostalgia of what arcade spaces used to be.
And when you walk through the well-lit rooms with deep, dark blue walls, it kinda feels like a long lost episode of Stranger Things (in a really good way!). And is that such a bad thing? There aren’t TVs scattered about or loud music playing overhead, nor is it a place without rules. One rule: kids have an exit time, and at some point in the evening, it becomes an adults only space.
One guest that very evening was Cameron Whitehouse, 41, who moved to Stratford recently with his wife. Cameron said,“I think since Covid, a lot of us have been longing for more third spaces where we can spend time being social, not just with our own friends, but with strangers as well.” After spending almost an hour in the space, Cameron and I connected again. He had this to share: “At Deep 6 I felt surrounded by an eclectic bunch of energized folks — it represented something Stratford was missing and needed more of.”
At the heart of Deep 6 Arcade is the Stratford community. From the thoughtfulness and intentionality throughout the space – the commuter friendly train schedule, the duel kids and adults hangout place, the insistence on making the space accessible for all ages (with hot dogs on the menu, too), Deep 6 Arcade is the place to visit, no matter whether you’re a lifelong resident or just passing through on Metro North. But commuters beware—you just might have so much fun you miss your train! You can learn more at their website.
