CLIENT HIGHLIGHT (12/08/23)
In this month's Client Highlight, we are excited to feature Sparky Fox Arcade, a new venture that brings a burst of nostalgia and entertainment to the Bayshore Mall. Jerry Colby, a Eureka native with a history in retail management and a lifelong passion for arcades, is the driving force behind this innovative business.
Jerry's journey to opening Sparky Fox Arcade is a story of determination and dedication. His experience managing FYE (For Your Entertainment) at the mall has provided him with valuable insights into client demographics and mall operations. But it was his role at Tilt, the former arcade in Bayshore Mall, that ignited his dream to create his own arcade.
With a supportive loan from North Edge—formerly known as the Arcata Economic Development Corporation (AEDC)—Jerry has been able to purchase a diverse range of classic and new arcade machines, ensuring an experience that transcends your typical, at-home gaming system. This funding has also enabled significant improvements to the facility, including the addition of an event room for birthday parties and small gatherings.
A key factor in Jerry’s journey was the collaborative spirit shown by ARCADA, the former arcade bar in Arcata. The owners of ARCADA, P-nut and her wife, offered Jerry their entire inventory of arcade machines at a fair price. This support was a shining example of solidarity in the local business community, illustrating how established businesses can play a crucial role in nurturing new entrepreneurial ventures.
The Sparky Fox Arcade is not just a business; it's a tribute to Jerry's late husband and a commitment to providing a family-friendly, inclusive space for community entertainment.
“My inspiration for [Sparky Fox Arcade] was to honor my late husband. Video games were something that helped him through the hardest parts of his life and it just made sense to open an arcade after his passing to continue showing my love and devotion to him and his memory.”
The arcade is strategically located in a 2600 square foot space within the Bayshore Mall, attracting a wide age-range from kids and teens interested in social gaming to Millennials nostalgic for the arcade games of their youth. “My plan is to find more and more vintage [games] as well as new games to attract customers of every demographic…so that no matter who you are, there is something here at the arcade for you.”
Visit Sparky Fox Arcade Monday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to 6:30 PM and Sundays from 11:00 AM to 6:00PM at the Bayshore Mall. Be sure to stay updated on the latest from Sparky and follow their Instagram account @Sparkyfoxarcade.
CLIENT UPDATE - (March 29, 2024)
Since we last featured Sparky Fox Arcade in December 2023, it has remained a vibrant hub of fun and nostalgia for our community. Led by Jerry Colby, who has a strong passion for arcade culture and dedicates his business to his late husband's memory, the arcade has seen significant growth. With help from a North Edge Financing loan and an amazing partnership with ARCADA, Jerry has turned Sparky Fox Arcade into a place that offers more than just games—it brings people together. Recently, the arcade has added new games and activities. We talked to Jerry to find out more about these updates!
Since we last spoke with you, have there been any new additions to the arcade?
Yes! Since then, the arcade has expanded its games to include a pool table and Dance Dance Revolution. We've also introduced a new selection of handmade goods from local artists and crafters.
How has community feedback shaped the evolution of Sparky Fox Arcade since your opening, are there any specific requests or suggestions you’ve implemented?
When members of our community make requests, we do our best to reach out and see about filling those requests for both potential vendors as well as games. The request for a pool table was a big one so we reached out to Rendezvous Vending and successfully added one to the arcade.
Are there any upcoming events, new games, or expansions in the pipeline that you’re particularly excited about? How do you envision Sparky Fox Arcade growing in the next year?
We're actively working on exciting plans for growth and collaborations, which are still underway. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements! To keep up with the latest from Sparky Fox Arcade, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/SparkyFoxArcadeOfficial, or on Instagram @sparkyfoxarcade.
Your motivation to open Sparky Fox Arcade was very touching. How do you continue to honor your late husband’s memory through the arcade, and has this vision evolved in any way?
The mission to honor my late husband continues to inspire every aspect of the arcade. In staying true to his memory, I've often considered what he would have valued in creating a welcoming community space. The arcade isn't just a business; it mirrors his warm, inclusive spirit and his belief in making friends with everyone. Additionally, inspired by his brother's experience, we're collaborating with the Humboldt Autism Alliance to make the arcade more accessible for individuals on the spectrum. We're also exploring outreach initiatives with local tribes, honoring my husband's pride in his Wailaki heritage.
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