Pins & Friends, located at 700 State Street in Bristol, TN, opened its doors to the local community in late 2022 or early 2023, offering a diverse entertainment and dining experience. The venue was established by co-owners Chip Zimmerman and Martin Robinette with the intention of providing a family-friendly activity in downtown Bristol, complementing the area’s existing festivals and markets. Pins & Friends features eight lanes of duckpin bowling, a selection of vintage arcade and pinball machines curated by Flip Side Retro Arcade, redemption games, and board games. Guests can also enjoy a full-service restaurant and bar, with event spaces available for private gatherings.
The building itself holds historical significance, having been constructed after the original Barker Building, erected in 1922, was destroyed by fire in 1956. Following years as a People’s Drug Store and later for storage, the current owners undertook extensive renovations to transform the space into a modern entertainment hub, for which they received a Historic Preservation Award in the Downtown Commercial Historic District in October 2023. Further enhancing its offerings, Pins & Friends partnered with Michael Waltrip Brewing Company in February 2026 to introduce a signature bar, bringing racing heritage and craft brews to the heart of State Street. The establishment serves as a dedicated recreational and dining destination for Bristol families and visitors, contributing to the revitalization and communal life of the downtown area.
