Running an arcade isn’t just about plugging in some games and hoping people show up. A truly great arcade wraps you in an experience the moment you walk through the door — the kind of place that hits you with nostalgia, excitement, and the sense that you’ve just stepped into somewhere special.
In our latest YouTube Short, we broke down the three things every arcade should do. Here’s a deeper look at those three essentials — and how we bring them to life every day at Time Rift Arcade in Bedford, TX.
Create a Seriously Awesome Vibe
Any arcade can put machines in a room. But a great arcade makes you feel like you’re entering another world.
From neon lighting and themed installations to props, murals, and unforgettable little details, décor sets the tone long before you touch a game. At Time Rift, we lean hard into our time-and-space theme! From our life size R2D2 to our Ghostbusters Proton Pack display, there are fun surprises everywhere.
A great arcade should feel alive, immersive, and intentionally designed, the kind of place that makes people say, “Whoa… this is awesome,” before they even play anything.
Offer A Variety of Games (Not Just the Basics)
Arcades should be playgrounds for everyone who enters.
That means not just retro classics — though you’ll find plenty of those with us — but also modern rhythm games, driving games, shooters, pinball, rythm games, claw games, and everything in between.
Serve Great Food and Drinks
The third thing every arcade should absolutely do? Offer food and drinks worth sticking around for.
A lot of people don’t realize that the best modern arcades are part entertainment venue, part hangout spot. So we built out a killer menu and have awesome drinks for the over 21 crowd:
- Hot, melty pizza
- Nachos
- Hot dogs
- Draft beer & cider
- Limited seasonal rotations
- Wine
- And, yes — frozen cocktails
Whether you’re here for a few rounds of pinball, a date night, or an evening out with friends, your food and drinks should feel like part of the experience — not an afterthought.
