The Arcade in Wichita is about to get a new Old Town address, expand with food and drink

The retro Old Town arcade that Wichita has enjoyed since 2017 is about to make a move — and get a big upgrade in the process.

Derek Sorrells, who co-owns The Arcade at 139 N. Mead with Michael Jensen, says that the business will move this fall to an old warehouse space at 906 E. Third St. The new building, which Sorrells says in its current state is not all that attractive, is being completely redone to accommodate the new business.

When it moves, The Arcade will add food and alcohol, though Sorrells stresses it will still be a family-friendly business.

But as more bars and restaurants around the area add pinball machines and games, Sorrells said, he and Jensen have decided they want their customers to be able to enjoy a drink while they hang out as well. State law would require, though, that the owners add food to their offerings if they plan to serve alcohol, and there’s not space for that at the current address.

“We love that building. It’s in our hearts, and it’s beautiful from the outside,” Sorrells said. “It’s where we started, and feels like home for us. But it’s just like with a personal home: There comes a come with it’s too small, and it’s time to move.”

Food options after the move is complete, Sorrells said, will include arcade classics like pizza, chicken strips, wings and maybe a burger. The full bar will offer mixed drinks, beer on tap and craft cocktails named for video games like Ms. Pac-Man.

The new space, which sits just north of B&C Barbecue and across the street from Dog Days of Sommer pet boarding business, will have four times the indoor space as the old spot. The owners are also tearing down a small part of the building to create more parking.

After the move, The Arcade will still have more than 100 classic pinball machines and 1980s/1990s arcade games like Pac-Man, Galaga and Donkey Kong, but it will also include two private party rooms and a big outdoor space set up with corn hole, a giant Connect Four game and more.

The Arcade will continue to operate at its current address until a few days before the move. At the moment, Sorrells said, he’s hoping to close the current space on Nov. 13 then reopen in the new spot on Nov. 17 or 18.

Sorrells is also the owner of a couple of other whimsical Wichita businesses: Sweet ‘n Saucy in Delano, which offers sauces, novelty candies and more, and Papa’s General Store in Clifton Square, which serves coffee, ice cream and crazy milkshakes.