Hello friends. I recently moved to West Virginia, about an hour south of Huntington. Those of you Pinsiders (both of you) who live around this area know what I mean when I say that there is nowhere to go and play down here (well extremely few places at least). Therefore, being a life-long resident of NJ (I used to live 15 minutes from the Silverball Museum in Asbury Park), I'm considering taking a page from the successful YESTERcades formula and opening a family game room down here. Not a redemption place; I'm thinking old school pins, vids, air hockey, super chexx, snack bar, fountain soda pop - you get the idea. My area is fairly depressed economy-wise but I think it would get over with the locals at the very least. I'm not thinking on a Dave&Busters level of investment, just a local sized place. I am NOT recruiting investors here I am looking for feedback and ideas from people of whom I think very highly and whom I think might have some insight. This would not be a full-time gig for me as my wife and I both work apart from this potential venture. Thanks in advance.

bump, and for the record this is EXACTLY the response I was expecting...

First off, thank you for the responses. I wasn't complaining, I was lamenting the fact that there are so very few pinheads down this way. I realize that this will be tough sledding but I think the locals would go for it so I'll continue researching. Thanks again all.

Thanks, Jim! That's 2 1/2 hours north of me and I will look into it.

Hey thanks. I've read those also. I remember years ago dealing with Ron S in north jersey who operated pristine pins in a video store. Everyone said it was just a labor of love and that's basically true. I think he also needed room to store his overflow stuff from his incredible collection. So I completely get it.
Lloyd said it well also: even though we both work full time, if I opened a place it would essentially become a full time job and I completely understand that also.
You're correct that I could use my vast network of employers, former employers and friends to help make it go more smoothly. That was one thing that started my thinking about it in the first place. At IAAPA I spoke to some of the Raw Thrills guys and they helped the idea come together and into focus. It's absolutely something that would be an almost sure money loser especially at the beginning. It's something I really want to try though.