Biz Buzz: New retro gaming lounge and soda bar opens in Pocatello

Published at 9:07 am, July 11, 2018 | Updated at 11:02 am, February 10, 2021

Rett Nelson, EastIdahoNews.com

Courtesy photo

Do you want to know what’s happening on the east Idaho business scene? We’ve got you covered.

Here is a rundown of this week’s business news across the valley.

BIZ BRIEF

POCATELLO

New retro gaming lounge and soda bar opens in Pocatello

POCATELLO – Fans of retro electronic games now have a place to call home.

Playtime Cafe opened its doors in Pocatello July 6. With more than 600 console-based games ranging from Atari and Sega Genesis to Xbox and Playstation, Owner Geno Giovanini says there is something to satisfy any gamer’s particular itch.

“Everyone seems to enjoy coming in and experiencing the nostalgia of playing old school, childhood games,” Giovanini tells EastIdahoNews.com. “There’s a lot of titles that people haven’t had a chance to try since they’ve redone them in later generations.”

Giovanini says the idea for the business came about from observing gaming lounges in larger cities, which primarily offered current and contemporary titles. He decided to put his own spin on it by offering retro gaming.

“Games and hardware give out throughout the years, so those older generation games are hard to come by. Obtaining the collection while keeping prices as low as I can is a delicate balance,” says Giovanini.

Customers can play any game that’s available for an hourly rate. It’s $8 for the first hour and $7 for each additional hour. There is also an all day pass for $35. Playtime Cafe has 15 TV’s to accompany their vast library of games.

People can also hang out in the lounge and purchase snacks and drinks from the soda bar. The soda bar includes chips, cookies, mixed soda drinks and more.

Giovanini hopes to expand to a new location in Idaho Falls or Rexburg.

The store is hosting a gaming tournament July 27 for anyone who is interested. You can learn more by visiting their store at 123 S. Main in Pocatello, or by giving them a call at (208) 547-5033.

Playtime Cafe is open Sunday through Thursday 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. and 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

BIZ BITS

POCATELLO – Splash Dances are on the schedule at the Ross Park Aquatic Complex. The popular events for youth ages 12 to 17 are slated for July 19 and 26. The dances will run from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and feature a D.J., music, and more. The concession stand will also be open for participants to buy snacks and beverages. Admission is $5 and includes the water slide.

BLACKFOOT – Paisley Cakes in Blackfoot, along with Oakridge Chevron will be hosting their second Blackfoot Maker’s Market on Saturday, July 14th from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The market will be held outside Paisley Cakes at 1800 E. Airport Road. More than a dozen local businesses who handcraft and create products will be there. We invite everyone to attend and come support these local business owners and makers.

IDAHO FALLS – Seven representatives from Japanese companies are traveling to Idaho this week to learn more about the state and potential opportunities to partner with Idaho businesses. These Japanese businesses met with an Idaho team that visited Japan this past April. They are traveling to Idaho as they have specific interests in potentially investing in Idaho.

RIGBY – Dr. Trent McGary and Rigby Physical Therapy invite you to join them for the groundbreaking of their new clinic inside the Professional Medical Plaza on Rigby Lake Drive. The groundbreaking will happen Wednesday, July 11 at 12 p.m. Lunch will be served.

REXBURG – Progrexion is inviting you to celebrate with them. The company is having a ribbon cutting for their new store at 66 E. Main in Rexburg. It’s happening Friday, July 13 at 1:30 p.m.

BIZ BUGS

TOPIC: MEDICARE SCAM

The following is a news release from the Better Business Bureau.

The new Medicare cards rolled out later this month to Idahoans, the new cards themselves are designed to be more secure. But in the meantime, scammers are taking advantage of confusion around the launch.

The Better Business Bureau is seeing scams occurring as these new cards roll out. One scheme involves scammers impersonating a Medicare representative calling consumers to tell them there’s a problem with their card. The con artist may say the new card was lost or someone tried to use the ID number. To resolve the situation, the scammer asks for the customers Social Security number.

In another version, the scammer claims a card-holder must pay money to receive their new Medicare card. They may ask for payment information, so they can “complete the process.” They may even ask you to mail them your old card.

This process will happen automatically, so you do not need to call anyone to get your card. If you are expecting a new card, it is being mailed to the address you have on file with the Social Security Administration.

Never provide personal information to a stranger in person or over the phone and don’t share personal details with anyone who calls you unsolicited. If you do get a call, do not confirm or give out your full name. Although your Social Security Number will be removed, you must still guard your card. The best thing to do is destroy your old card, and to know the new card is free of charge.

Learn about similar scams BY CLICKING HERE. Read more about the new cards and their security benefits BY CLICKING HERE.