A family enjoys a game of Super Mario 2 on a classic Nintendo Entertainment System from 1985. Joystick Gaming Lounge at 420 Gateway Drive offers a multitude of gaming options, including board games, PC games, arcade games and even retro gaming consoles.

 

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Joystick Gaming Lounge, a video arcade with a focus on family-friendly entertainment and community; officially opened its doors on Nov. 15 at 420 Gateway Drive. The business venture is owned by Dixon residents Jamie Myers and Jené Owens.

“We are both moms, teachers and long-time Dixon residents who love our community,” Myers said. “We felt there was a real need for family-friendly entertainment in Dixon and the surrounding areas. We discussed all the things we liked and disliked about family entertainment centers we've experienced in the past and we were inspired to create a business plan that addressed these issues.”

The burgeoning business offers a multitude of entertainment opportunities, including a PC gaming space, rentable game rooms and tables for board games, and, of course, the arcade machines and game consoles.

“For myself, I love the retro feel of the arcade and console games,” Owens said. “There’s nothing like the experience of ‘core memory unlocked.’ I also really love the party room. I love organizing a birthday the kids will always remember or a great private game set up where people can have a memorable time with friends and family.”

For $10 an hour, guests can rent a game table for up to four players with unlimited access to Joystick Gaming Lounge’s impressive board game inventory.

As mothers, the duo wanted a calm, relaxing space to enjoy while their children played in the arcade, so they intentionally built a café space separate from the arcade area for parents and others to gather, connect and relax.

“We dislike dirty, smelly spaces so we're very intentional about cleaning not only the restrooms and tables but the machines multiple times per day to prevent the spread of germs,” Myers said. “We always appreciate a safe space for our tweens/teens to hang out and therefore have created an environment where parents feel comfortable dropping off their older children for a couple of hours.”

For Owens and Myers, the greatest challenge initially faced was the time it took to find a facility and get approval from the city to build, open and operate.

“We're grateful for all the help we received,” Myers said. “Since we've opened, our challenge is to keep prices as reasonable as possible but also ensure our profit is solid so we can continue to offer our community the best experience possible. One of Joystick's key values is the recognition that everyone deserves a little fun in their life - and in this economy, we want to offer that at a price anyone can afford. That includes board games with the family, PC gaming, arcade time and even birthday parties starting as low as $100.”

Jamie Myers and Jené Owens said that Dixon had a need for a clean, comfortable and family-friendly entertainment space. The co-owners are mothers, teachers and long-time Dixon residents.

Since opening, Joystick Gaming Lounge has been introducing new elements to the lounge, such as the sale of Pokémon cards and merchandise, special events such as Dungeons and Dragons sessions, New Year’s Eve parties with group games and arcade and board game tournaments.

“We're excited to announce our grand opening event on Saturday, March 1 from noon to 11 p.m.,” Myers said. “In addition to our regular arcade, board games and PC gaming, the community can expect food trucks, face painting, free console gaming, DnD activities, Pokémon battles, a photo booth and big free door prize giveaways that include a Nintendo switch lite, birthday party package, two hours of board game time and two hours of PC gaming!”

According to Myers, she and Owens love their community and have a desire to bring residents together, offer some fun to brighten their day and go above and beyond to see a smile.

“I will add, one of my favorite aspects of this business is having the ability to bless someone when they least expect it and Joystick has presented a lot of those opportunities in the short time that we’ve been open” Owens said. “As Jamie said, we’re excited for the future and more opportunities to bless our community.”