The staple of downtown Columbus nightlife, 16-Bit Bar + Arcade, is powering down for the last time at its original location this Sunday, March 30. Opening its doors back in 2013, the bar marked a significant trend-starting blend of nostalgia-driven arcade gaming with a modern twist of craft cocktails and social ambiance. In a statement obtained by The Columbus Dispatch, Troy Allen, founder and CEO of Rise Brands, shared, “Closing this location is very bittersweet for us.” He counts the support from patrons and team members over the years as vital to the success and growth of Rise Brands.
Despite the closure of what could be considered an institution in its own right, the "energy" of 16-Bit will live on. Allen stated, "While this location is closing, 16-Bit’s energy isn’t going anywhere.” Fans of the arcade experience can still visit other locations in Columbus, as Rise Brands operates the gaming experience within Pins Mechanical Co. venues at Bridge Park and Easton Town Center. According to a report by The Columbus Dispatch, this is part of a strategic move to integrate the once stand-alone 16-bit concept into a larger entertainment tapestry.
A "Final Round" farewell event is scheduled for March 28, beginning at 4 p.m. and stretching until the early hours of the following day. This send-off aims to allow loyal customers and newcomers to celebrate the end of an era with giveaways, games, and drink specials.
Alongside the closure, Rise Brands continues its expansion, with efforts underway to transform The Bogey Inn into a broad-reaching entertainment campus by 2026—an endeavor highlighted by WBNS. In addition, employees engaged at the soon-to-be-shuttered location will retain their positions within the Rise Brands family, ensuring stability for the team members amidst these changes. The company's assertive growth and shuffle of assets reflect a responsive adaptation to the evolving consumer landscape and a commitment to its workforce.
The downtown 16-Bit venue has left a memorable imprint on the city's social scene. It captures the essence of throwback gaming and modern leisure and is now set for a digital reincarnation inside existing and upcoming Rise Brands ventures.
