Game on as ‘bar-cade’ brings retro to Cairns
A NEW adults-only video game arcade opening in Cairns is set to rock the city centre with a blend of booze and button-mashing.
Empire Alternacade is due to open on November 29 along Sheridan St in the city centre, on the site of the old Q Sports Bar.
In addition to a fully stocked bar, the new alternative music-themed venue will boast more than 20 classic video game arcade cabinets, pool tables, table tennis, air hockey tables, shuffleboard, retro game consoles, and more than 100 board games for use by patrons.
Empire has two other venues, including Townsville and Mackay, attracting clientele ranging from 18-year-olds drinking their first cocktails, through to retirees wanting to beat decades-old high scores on Space Invaders.
The success of the niche business in both cities led owner Tim Pellegrino to open a third venue in Cairns.
“We do well in Townsville and Mackay, and they don’t have any tourist dollars at all,” he said.
“In Townsville, we’re in a basement in the nightclub strip, and hit capacity every Friday and Saturday night.”
Arcade bars have experienced a resurgence worldwide in the past decade due to the popularity of retro-gaming among Millennials.
Mr Pellegrino said patrons were looking for more than just a drinking spot.
“We’re hoping people come in here and sit for four hours playing Jenga with their mates,” he said.
“No one’s going to come over and say ‘you’ve got to leave – we need this space’, it’s yours.
“You can sit and play Mario Kart all night: we don’t care, and you don’t pay for that.”
Empire is also operating as an events promoter, with Mr
Pellegrino revealing plans to bring more live music to Cairns.
“We did the Summer Slam (festival) this year, where we brought up Cog, Hellions, and Like Thieves,” he said.
“We just go crazy.
“It’s just all about vibes: whatever I love, I just do it times 10.”
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A MAJOR conference coming to Cairns early next year will give health professionals an opportunity to really get their teeth stuck into the latest in dentistry.
The Australian Society of Orthodontists Congress will be taking place on March 19-23 at the Cairns Convention Centre. The program features a combination of international and local speakers, on topics such as the latest techniques and technology in the field of orthodontic medicine.
Work out for a cause
AQUA aerobics instructors will host two masterclasses at Woree on Sunday to raise money for victims of the Queensland bushfires.
Participants have a choice of joining in with the aqua aerobics class at Woree Sports and Aquatic Centre, or for those not so keen on getting wet, two instructors are hosting a MetaFit class at the same time. All money raised will be donated to the Red Cross and the Salvation Army, for distribution to those in need.
The fundraiser is being held at the aquatic centre on Sunday from 9am.