Hey Arcaders!
I hope you guys are enjoying Pac-Man Month as much as I am! Today’s Pac-commercial is something special to me. Being a local in the Central Florida area, the was one restaurant that stood out for me- and I loved going to. The Pac-Man Cafe!
The Pac-Man Cafe was awesome. Unfortunately- It didn’t last long. But, I’m getting ahead of myself.
Pac-Man Cafe started life as another arcade- XS Orlando.
Pointe Orlando opened in 1998. It is still open today- but is missing the panache of it’s early years. It’s hard to compete with things like-
FAO Schwartz. Biggest toy store in Orlando.
MUVICO Theater- First movie Theater in Orlando with IMAX!
Along with XS, It was quite a fun day.
Then, one day (around 2002, I believe) XS- closed.
I remember seeing an ad in the paper for Pac- Man Cafe- which conveniently , was in the old XS location. I went- and I wasn’t disappointed!
Here’s a flier from Pac-Man Cafe!
When you entered, you were greeted by this happy fella-
And once inside- they had a full service restaurant- where the specialty was the Pac-Pizza… with the first piece missing! Then, you could go over to the Galaga Bar to have a drink! The main arcade we upstairs, but the fun was at the Retro Arcade on the first floor! It had all the classic games you could remember- plus a few you didn’t! Add to that the Pac-Museum, It was the best time in Orlando next to Disneyquest!
But, in 2005- it was gone. Why? I had heard that the rent went up at Pointe Orlando. Also, Namco was slowly closing their arcade division in the U.S., – so, it was a sad time in my household- we went every weekend. Now Pointe Orlando has Main Event, and Arcade city- but they pale in comparison.
Now- there seems to be a resurgence in the Pac-Man Cafe idea… Check this out-
These seem to be pop up locations- there has been some in Shanghai, and Hawaii. Let’s hope they do more!
What do you think of the Pac-Man Cafe? Did you ever get to go? Let me know in the comments!
Keep Playin’ Like It’s 1981!
And Stay tuned for MORE Pac-Goodness!
