# Retro Gamer Diners The Pinball Cafe Brings Back Old-School Games By Kyle Burton | Published 2012-02-12 | Business Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toronto-pinball-cafe References: [blogto](http://www.blogto.com/sports_play/2011/12/5_questions_with_the_owners_of_the_new_pinball_cafe/) & [blogto](http://www.blogto.com/cafes/pinball-cafe-toronto) The Pinball Cafe is Toronto’s first hangout that brings back the joy of this old-school game. The Pinball Cafe is operated by a husband and wife team who felt inspired by the video arcades and pool halls of the 1980s. Bringing back the pinball machine is a great way for youngsters to experience something new, and for nostalgic hipsters to indulge in their past gaming habits. [Vintage machines from private collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-arcade-machine-set) are spread out in a bright and lively room, and the flashy lights of the electromechanical classics to the fresh ACDC Pinball Machine will keep anyone entertained. If you are a [coffee, candy, cookie or cake aficionado](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-coffee-party) then this is the place for you. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.4/10 - Popularity: 23% | Activity: 41% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business) > [New Ventures](https://www.trendhunter.com/newventures) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Retro Hangouts:** Opportunity for other retro hangouts to bring back pastimes and experiences. - **Gaming Nostalgia:** Exploit on nostalgia and re-introduce old-school games for the younger generation and nostalgic gamers. - **Vintage Collectibles:** Opportunity for businesses that deal with collectibles to cash in on the vintage items trend. ### Where This Applies - **Entertainment:** Entertainment industry can capitalize on the demand for new retro hangouts such as The Pinball Cafe. - **Food and Beverage:** Food and beverage industry can exploit on the demand for retro gaming experiences by appealing to their target audience's taste buds. - **Retail:** Retail industry can take advantage of the demand for vintage collectibles by offering products to match the vintage theme of retro hangouts and cafes. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [All-Digital Pinball Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toyshock-21c-digital.md) - [Upbeat Bowling Venues](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-ballroom-bowl-expands.md) - [Toronto Gastro-Gaming Businesses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oche.md) - [Digitized Pinball Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skillshot-fx-digital-pinball.md) - [Retro Gaming Room Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/retro-gaming-box.md) - [4K Display Arcade Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/digital-pinball-machine.md) - [Adult-Targeted Arcade Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chucks-arcade.md) - [Connected Pinball Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stern-pinball-1.md) - [Micro Tabletop Arcade Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mini-arcade-machines.md)