It may soon be "game over" for a pair of popular video game arcades in the East Bay. But the locally owned businesses are hoping for one last life, if they are allowed to reopen during the pandemic.
From Pacman to Pong, the High Scores Arcades in Hayward and Alameda have specialized in classic video games since 2013.
"I think it’s super retro," said Michael Booker, a resident of downtown Hayward. "It reminds me of the ‘90s growing up as a kid as well. I think it’s really cool and a lot of fun."
But on March 15 both locations shuttered their doors due to the coronavirus pandemic, and it looks as though that closure may soon be permanent.
The married owners said they can no longer afford the $10,000 per month in rent between the two locations, without any federal stimulus funding.
The ice cream shop next door to the Hayward arcade closed in September.
“I feel like a lot of businesses down here don’t really get the support they need just to stay open,” Booker said.
High Scores has started a GoFundMe page which so far raised just more than half of its $40,000 goal.
Yelp estimated that one out of every 100 businesses in the Bay Area closed permanently since March 1.
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