Brinstar Arcade Bar and Grill, located in Downtown Midland at 415 East Main Street, opened its doors in June 2022, amidst the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenging times, co-owners Belle Fawcett and Scott Nankervis have managed to keep the business thriving. Fawcett attributes their success to their commitment to keeping things fresh and exciting for their customers.
The 1980s-themed bar boasts a wide array of classic arcade game cabinets, a wall of pinball machines, and more. While Fawcett focuses on curating the food and drink menus, Nankervis takes charge of maintaining and managing the games. Fawcett humorously describes the bar as Nankervis’s living room, as he is passionate about beer and video games.
Nankervis, who also works full-time at Dow, ensures that the game cabinets and pinball machines at Brinstar are in top condition. Recognizing the recent surge in pinball popularity, he plans to expand their collection of pinball machines to fill the remaining space on their „pinball wall.“
On the other hand, Fawcett oversees the day-to-day operations at the bar, drawing on her extensive experience in the restaurant industry since she was 15 years old. She takes pride in customizing the menus at Brinstar, ensuring that the food offerings are diverse and appealing to customers.
The menu at Brinstar features a rotating specialty menu, with unique options for food and drinks. Customers can enjoy a variety of appetizers, including different types of eggrolls and flight options. The specialty drink menu includes creative cocktails like a Dungeons & Dragons-inspired drink complete with a sour gummy worm.
Burgers are a staple on Brinstar’s menu, with Fawcett drawing inspiration from a Bob’s Burgers cookbook for new and exciting burger recipes. She emphasizes the importance of having fun with food and keeping things fresh to entice customers to return.
In addition to their food and drink offerings, Brinstar also caters to customers with dietary restrictions by providing gluten-free and vegan options for many menu items. The bar’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity extends to their events, which include pinball tournaments, trivia nights, private parties, and more.
While reaching their customer base has been a challenge, Fawcett believes that connecting with customers comes naturally to her and Nankervis. They have created a space that reflects their own interests and tastes, making it easy to relate to their target audience.
Looking ahead, Brinstar plans to host popular themed trivia nights and events, such as the Gilmore Girls Trivia night in collaboration with neighboring business, Bookmarks. Customers can stay updated on upcoming events by visiting Brinstar’s Facebook page.
In conclusion, Brinstar Arcade Bar and Grill in Downtown Midland offers a unique and exciting experience for customers looking to enjoy good food, drinks, and games in a vibrant 1980s-themed setting. With a focus on innovation, inclusivity, and community engagement, Brinstar continues to thrive and attract a loyal following in the local area.