Copyright Santa Rosa Press Democrat
A Sebastopol business that sells fun experiences has doubled in size after two years. That business is The Rewind Arcade, a gaming establishment that until recently operated from an 1,800-square-foot space at The Barlow. Rewind has expanded to 2,000 square feet after taking over the space that housed Woodfour Brewing Company until it closed late last year. Rewind Arcade is a family-friendly venue built around the nostalgia of arcades and pinball machines, said owner Adam Lam. Rewind includes a self-pour beer wall and non-alcoholic beverages, and hosts activities like karaoke nights, tournaments and parties. Now, with the expansion, Lam has an opportunity to host bigger events and add even more games. “I feel like we’ve made really great progress in terms of living out the vision of what I intended (Rewind) to be from day one,” said Lam, 46. “It seems like it’s hitting a chord.” Lam, a fifth-generation Chinese American, said his intention for Rewind is to have fun in a welcoming environment. Rewind is Lam’s first undertaking as a small business owner after more than 10 years as a realtor in his hometown of San Francisco. Before that, he spent five years teaching English in Hong Kong. His passion for arcade games is rooted in his childhood. “I spent most of my time at a bowling alley called Park Bowl on Haight Street,” Lam said. His stepfather worked there as a bartender and mom was usually on-site. “They had pinball machines and pool tables and arcades and juke boxes. I just loved being there all the time.” In 2017, Lam, his wife and two children moved from San Francisco to Rohnert Park. He began developing the concept for Rewind in July 2022, but the pandemic delayed progress in bringing his business to life. “It was challenging because construction materials and contractor services were very inflated due to impacts from COVID,” he said. Two years into the business, Lam said he has broken even. He is “investing a lot more money” in the expanded space to keep growing Rewind and bring it to profitability. He declined to say how much more he is investing. Barney Aldridge, owner and developer of The Barlow, said Rewind is an asset to his 12-acre outdoor market district. “(It) has brought more customers, which is always beneficial,” Aldridge said. “Also, any business that offers a one-of-a-kind experience adds to the memorability of The Barlow, which is what we want.” As of 2024, the global arcade gaming market was valued at $4.25 billion, and is projected to reach $6.38 billion by 2032, according to Data Bridge Market Research. Arcade businesses also are costly. To date, Lam has spent approximately $450,000 on pinball machines which, on average, cost about $9,000 each, he said. “(We have) a collection of 50-plus premium pinball machines of modern, 80s and 90s classics, plus modern remakes,” he said. Rewind has a manager, six part-time employees and a technician, said Lam, who also serves as general manager. In the event of another pandemic or other paralyzing event to business, Lam said he could run Rewind by himself, but it “wouldn’t be ideal.” He acknowledged he is always on the move and could use more down time. “I’m pretty tired all the time,” he said. “So the challenge is to try and take care of myself and make sure I get rest because I do have two kids.” Lam also wants Rewind to become more visible in the community. He has enlisted the help of what he described as a community ambassador with strong ties to Sebastopol. Some of that community involvement is already happening. Rewind recently hosted a group of Healdsburg high school students who are building their own pinball machine as part of a technology project, Lam said. And Aldridge recently heard a lively gathering coming from Lam’s establishment. “The other day, the Rewind hosted the local firefighters and it definitely sounded like they were having a good time,” Aldridge said. “People need opportunities to get off their phones and socialize.” Rewind is bringing people together, and that gives Lam hope for the welcoming piece of his business model. “The important part about having this business is that no matter what you look like, what you’re wearing, how much money you have … that you are not looked at as being better or worse,” he said. “It’s important to be kind to each other and respect each other. That’s where I draw my line.” Cheryl Sarfaty covers tourism, hospitality, health care, aviation and employment. Reach her at cheryl.sarfaty@busjrnl.com or 707-521-4259.
