Are you ready to blast into the past with bar full of vintage video games and pin ball machines?

Retrocade, a new arcade bar in Fraser, officially opened on Nov. 15, filling the space left vacant after the Tin Cup Tavern surrendered its liquor license and closed last winter.

Retrocade’s owner Blase Licce supplied the Tin Cup with its pool tables and jukebox before it closed down. Now that he owns the space, he hopes to create a different environment with the brand-new bar: one that is inclusive, kid-friendly and affordable, he said.

“I figured it might be something with a family atmosphere,” Licce said. “Make the video games free for the kids, and then the parents could come in, watch sports and drink.”

Upon entering the bar, customers will find seven unique pinball machines lining the front wall, which Licce spent $95,000 to obtain and install. The rest of the nine arcade games are a mix of machines from his personal collection and a few he bought just for the new business.

Licce learned to play pinball at three years old and has been in the arcade game business for over 40 years in Denver and in Dallas, where he owns Da Boyz sports bar. His philosophy for running a business is to “just give the people what they want,” he said, which resulted in a decision to make almost all of the bar’s arcade games — except for its pinball machines — completely free to play.

Retrocade’s bar menu is extensive, with 20 beers on tap, cocktails made with local liquor and mocktails made with non-alcoholic spirits. Manager Christina Lampert advocated for the bar’s signature espresso martini, which she makes with real espresso shots pulled from a Nespresso machine.

They also offer food; on the outdoor patio, chef Neil Velasquez from Paellas Restaurant in Winter Park set up a food truck, where bar patrons can order Peruvian chicken sandwiches, wings and burgers with fries. 

Little intricacies such as fresh espresso shots, shaped ice cubes and real cherries for garnishing drinks are what elevate customers’ experience, Lampert said, and set Retrocade apart from other bars. Lampert, who has worked in the service industry in Grand County for two years, shared Licce’s aspirations to revamp the former Tin Cup and attract a diverse crowd including tourists, local service industry workers, families and non-drinkers. 

During its soft opening period in early November, business was steady and the feedback was positive, she said.

“Everyone’s loving it,” Lampert said. “They say it’s nice, a totally different atmosphere than what it was before.”

For its Nov. 15 grand opening, the bar partnered with Pacifico and held a raffle to give away two-day Ikon Ski Passes and additional merchandise, but for those who missed out, Licce said he plans to host future events such as a regular service industry night and even a potential pinball league. As a former pinball player in a national league, he said he would welcome the opportunity to cater to competitive pinball players.

Licce’s efforts reflect both his passion for gaming and a desire to create a business that has something to offer customers of all ages and lifestyles.

“I’ve been playing pinball for like 60 years, he said. “It’s just a passion of mine, and then the town needed something fun to do, so I just wanted to see if I could pull this off.”

Retrocade Wing and Taphouse is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days per week in the Fraser Valley Center.