With an eye on bringing the community together with some guaranteed fun, Bryan Wheelock and his partner, Bernie Bennett, launched a family oriented addition to their business, Village Square Tap House.
“When the business that previously occupied the space next to ours moved on, we brainstormed something unique to do with that space,” shares Bryan. “We settled on an arcade – but not just for the adults who visit the tap house (although it’s a great diversion), but for families to have fun together, as well.”
The two opened Village Square Arcade in July of 2024 after up-fitting a portion of the expanded space at Village Square Tap House from four pool tables, four dart boards and a small stage, to eight pool tables, 10 dart boards and a larger stage to support leagues and their live music venue.
“In the second round of up-fitting, we designed the arcade area – which has complete storefront exposure and its own entrance – but also added a second entrance from the tap house side, separating the two businesses,” adds Bryan. He also admits that with both himself and Bernie being “slightly aged,” neither knew what arcade games young adults and kids are currently playing. Luckily, they had a friend “in the know” and developed a plan that would appeal to families and young adults, but still draws an older crowd, as well.
All ages are welcome at Village Square Arcade, maintaining that spirited community feel. Currently, the most popular games for kids are Dead Storm Pirates and Halo, followed by Air Hockey NASCAR, Motocross and the NBA basketball shooting games.
“Adults tend to gravitate towards one of our eight pinball machines, skee ball or air pong,” explains Bryan. “We added two smaller pool tables for the younger kids to get a feel for the game, too.”
As part of the early planning, we decided to offer package deals geared towards birthday parties for all ages, but also perfect for corporate team building events, Christmas and Halloween parties, class outings and even baby gender reveals.
“We can design the perfect package for any type of party, including unlimited pitchers of soda and pizzas made to order from Brick Oven Pizza, another local Clemmons business,” he says. “Drink packages for adult parties can also be supported by both the arcade and tap house sides.”
As the only arcade company in Clemmons, Lewisville or the immediate surrounding area outside of Winston-Salem, Village Square Arcade provides a personal level of customer service to all patrons.
“We do our best to ensure a good time is had by all,” adds Bryan, who also knows arcade games can be fickle – and a game being played one month may not be a popular game the next time you check in. Bryan and Bernie are currently in the process of switching out a few of the arcade games that have dwindled in popularity. They believe – like most hospitality business owners – that they survive off what the community will accept and enjoy!
“We also have what could be considered a Happy Hour every Sunday between 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. where all games (except prize machines) can be played for half the credits,” Bryan adds.
As residents of Forsyth County for nearly 20 years – Bryan in Clemmons, Bernie in Winston- Salem – they feel they know the community well and have a good grasp on what makes for quality recreation for families of all shapes and sizes. Stop in with your kids soon, and enjoy learning a new game or two together!
Visit Village Square Arcade (and Village Square Tap House) at 6000 Meadowbrook Mall Court in Clemmons. Reach them at 336.727.3605 for party planning details, on Facebook at Village Square Arcade and on Instagram @village_square_arcade.
