Game on! Main Street Deli opens arcade

Main Street Deli has expanded its offerings by opening an old-school arcade and bar next door. Attached to the deli by a walk-through, the arcade offers nearly 40 stand-up cabinet games and about seven pinball machines that are said to be delightfully amusing — and addicting. In May 2020, Jerrod Hartman, of Arlington, and Tony Clark, of Dayton, obtained ownership of Main Street Deli, 513 S. Main St. Clark operates the Dayton-based arcade bar DK Effect, which contains about 60 arcade games. With previous experience in business management — and administration of a classic game refurbish and resell business — Clark and Hartman were inspired to bring an arcade bar to Findlay. "This is what Findlay sorely needs," said Main Street Deli and Arcade General Manager Andrew Crom. Crom, who has worked at the popular downtown restaurant for over 15 years, said Main Street Deli and Arcade offers well-known classic sandwiches, along with 20 different craft beers on tap, including specialty drafts from Findlay Brewing Co. Several canned and bottled beverages and cocktails are available as well. "And we'll keep adding," Crom said. "If people have requests, we'll get them." The classic arcade games are free to play, and the pinball machines take four quarters to activate. Change machines are available. There will always be different games on the floor to play, said Crom, who noted that once a week, a maintenance operator will stop by the arcade to swap out games and make any necessary reparations. "The pinballs are my favorite," Crom said. "We have a Lord of the Rings pinball that's pretty sweet. … Area 51 we (also) have. I used to play it as a kid all the time in the Findlay mall." There are six televisions in the arcade that provide entertainment by way of old movies, among other offerings. Pop culture references abound within the arcade's decor. "I'm excited for people to have an alternative place to come," said Crom. "The deli is an extremely welcoming place. … It's a place where a lot of people will feel comfortable, you know? Feel like it's their bar." Main Street Deli has extended its hours to accompany the night life that the arcade is expected to bring, with the arcade bar to be open two hours later than the deli every night. Crom said hours will be subject to change, based on customer demand. "I'm excited for this to be people's favorite place to go," Crom said. Douglas: 419-427-8505