Operating in Durham, North Carolina, from June 2017 until its permanent closure in January 2022, The Quarter Horse Arcade provided a unique entertainment experience in the basement of the historic Kress Building at 108 South Mangum Street. Co-owned by Brandon Mise, Jon Williams, and Murphy Turner, the venue aimed to evoke a sense of 1980s nostalgia through its collection of approximately thirty-five arcade and pinball games. Patrons could enjoy classic arcade titles such as Pole Position, Spy Hunter, Dragon’s Lair, and the original Star Wars arcade game, alongside pinball machines including Jungle Lord and The Addams Family. The establishment also featured a “Steam room” for PC gaming, a live DJ, and a full bar offering game-themed specialty cocktails.
The Quarter Horse Arcade was more than just a place for games; it cultivated an inclusive and nostalgic atmosphere, often playing movies in the background and hosting family hours until 8 PM. The concept originated from Mise’s personal collection of arcade games, evolving from an underground gathering for friends into a public barcade designed to be a community magnet. Despite being described as a “hidden gem” and a “paradise for nostalgia lovers,” the venue’s five-year run concluded when it was padlocked due to a rent dispute, with owners citing financial difficulties exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Its closure was viewed by some as indicative of the challenges small businesses faced amid downtown Durham’s evolving landscape.