She’s only 32 years old so, no, she wasn’t alive at the time several video game legends were first offered to the world.
Pacman debuted in 1980, Donkey Kong in 1981, and then Mario Bros. was a splash in 1983, and then Tetris added new angles in 1984.
Her husband, Howie, is 14 years older than his bride, but that still makes him a mere toddler when the definition of “children playing” changed drastically forever. Atari introduced a game called “Pong” in 1972, a crude console game resembling tennis, and from there the industry has consumed most of the world while advancing to computer-generated virtual reality.
No worries, though. Kayla and Howie aren’t interested in those fancy games and that’s why their arcade features only the old school. The Retro Arcade and Eatery is located on the street level of the McLure Hotel in downtown Wheeling and features pinball machines, video games, skee ball, and adult and children’s menus.
But that’s not how this all began. Play It Forward opened in Centre Market, but one person’s legendary failure just so happened to lead to an intriguing opportunity for the Longs. So, after receiving help from family and friends, the hotel’s new owner, and the City of Wheeling, the Friendly City’s ever-changing downtown area now has a venue for air hockey, Edge, Putt for Prizes, and arcade hoops.
Oh, and there’s food, too, like burgers, hot dogs, chicken, and hoagies, and there are hourly play rates and new games introduced all the time. It’s fun, it’s cute, and it’s one-of-a-kind, as well, plus Howie and Kay’s Retro Arcade fills a void for local teenagers searching for a safe, affordable gathering place.
But the best part, Kayla admits, is the free part and watching patrons figure that out on their own.
Who is more “retro,” you or your husband?
We are both very knowledgeable in different aspects and what one doesn’t know the other normally does … or has an understanding of it anyway. We both complement each other very well.
What does a quarter get a customer at the Howie & Kay Retro Arcade?
We have set up most of our machines to free play. We offer $10 all-day play wristbands that include your fountain drink and refills. We do have machines kept 100% original like the redemption machines, Skee ball, and vending machines.
What’s more popular at the arcade? Pinball, video games, or some other game?
They are all pretty close.
The House of The Dead 2 and Harley Davidson & L.A. Riders Machine seem to be the most popular. The House of The Dead 2 is not only amazing to play but to watch other people play and enjoy.
The Harley machine is a favorite to all ages and even if you are small, someone bigger can help you and make it twice as fun.
If the McLure Hotel switches owners again in the future, what are the plans for a new location?
Our lease includes not only a 10-year lease but a buyout clause which would give us enough money to change locations if needed. Any smart business owner would have a Plan B in place.
Why are you and your husband such fans of these games that were popular several decades ago?
The things we had growing up helped us to become the individuals we are today. We should show our kids and others the things that truly made us happy when we were younger or continue to make us happy.
It can give someone a second chance that may have missed out, or send you back in time to a place when life was a lot more simple.
