Radioactive Pinball Arcade recently celebrated its first year in business at 113 Laurens Street in Aiken, SC. Owners, Eric and Erin Edwards are expanding faster than a flipper can travel the ball in an arcade game.
When ABD interviewed them in January after their August 2023 opening, the arcade was already enjoying a loyal following, with customers coming in from across South Carolina and Georgia. At the time, the Edwards had their sights set on acquiring an extra 1,200 square feet of space from their next-door neighbor, 8 Count Dance Studio. That acquisition happened and became their first expansion project.
“The new space, which we hope to have finished by this weekend, is called The Dark Room. The walls are painted black and we are adding many neon lights and more arcade games and pinball machines. It really pops!” explained Erin Edwards.
It’s a taste of nostalgia for many who visit Radioactive Pinball Arcade, but the bells and buzz of the pinball machines and arcade games are now being introduced to younger generations. Apparently, they love it!
“Our daughter, Sydney, is painting murals on the wall. My husband, Eric, works tirelessly to make this venture special. It’s a family affair and God is opening doors for us.”
The next expansion came about when another neighboring business, At First Sight, which offers 3D and 4D ultrasounds, wanted to sell 1,000 sq. feet of space.
“We will use half of that space for a workshop and the other half for birthday parties and other special events,” said Edwards.
Radioactive Pinball Arcade has expanded its space by 2,200 square feet and the number of pinball machines from 42 to 64 and arcade games from 30 to 62 in just one year.
Recent arcade industry data suggests that the arcade business is not only alive but thriving, experiencing a resurgence that challenges the notion of their decline. According to the U.S. market size data from 2023-2028, the arcade, food, and entertainment complexes have witnessed significant revenue growth at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.2% over the past five years. This upward trajectory has propelled the industry to an estimated $3.2 billion in revenue in 2023, showcasing a robust and prosperous landscape.
The quick growth of Radioactive Pinball Arcade supports those projections. You can follow their upcoming events here.
Editor’s Note:
Mitzi Oxford is a veteran broadcaster and features writer who also worked at the same television station in Columbus, Georgia as Augusta’s Brad Means! If you have a South Carolina story idea for Mitzi, please email her at mitzioxfordcreative@gmail.com.
