Stepping into the world of Family Amusement Corporation in Los Angeles is like taking a delightful leap back in time. For those seeking a nostalgic experience steeped in classic arcade fun, this is the place to be. Robert Peck, the current steward of this family legacy alongside his cousin Stephen, proudly showcases a collection of vintage pinball machines, relics from his father and uncle’s passion for arcade games. With a fond smile, Robert dusts off one of these timeless machines, eager to demonstrate its enduring charm.
“It was a pin and a ball, so you would drop that down, the ball would come here, and you would literally just…and wherever it landed, oh, no way!” Peck exclaims, his enthusiasm infectious as the ball finds its mark. “What? I’m playing the lottery today!” This blend of luck and nostalgia is the secret ingredient to the enduring success of this East Hollywood institution, a cornerstone of family entertainment since 1971.
Originally established by Peck’s father and uncle, Family Amusement Corporation began as a rental and sales business for arcade games. Venturing further into the world of entertainment, they opened Family Arcade right next door, a haven where young Robert spent countless formative hours.
“The employees at the time, many of whom are still with us today, would take me around on the dolly, and we would go around collecting the tokens and the quarters,” he fondly recalls, painting a picture of a vibrant, family-oriented business from its earliest days.
However, the landscape shifted dramatically with the onset of the pandemic. Like many businesses, Family Amusement Corporation faced unprecedented challenges. Robert Peck had to make the difficult decision to furlough longtime employees, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the company’s future. Adding to their woes, Family Arcade had just reopened for a mere two months after enduring a devastating fire in 2019 that forced a year-long closure. The subsequent two years were fraught with hardship.
“It was just hard, hard on my dad and my uncle because it is like watching their baby be sick or something, you know,” Peck shares, revealing the deep personal connection and emotional investment the family has in their business.
Despite these trials, Family Amusement Corporation demonstrated remarkable resilience. This month marked a significant turning point as they reopened Family Arcade’s doors. Implementing safety measures such as reduced capacity and rigorous cleaning protocols, they also innovated their payment system, moving away from traditional tokens to a flat $25 daily fee for unlimited play. This change streamlines the customer experience and aligns with modern preferences for cashless transactions.
For loyal patrons like Jamie Aguilar, the reopening was a welcome return to a cherished pastime. Growing up in the neighborhood and frequenting Family Arcade for 13 years, Aguilar values the arcade as a unique social space.
“This is one of the few places where I can meet up with friends, go and play some video games instead of online and interact with them,” Aguilar explains, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of face-to-face social gaming in a world increasingly dominated by digital interactions. He spent hours on opening day immersed in his favorite games, including racing and dance games, reveling in the joy of real-world arcade experiences.
While the digital age and the rise of mobile gaming present ongoing competition, Robert Peck remains optimistic about the future of Family Arcade and Family Amusement Corporation. He believes in the enduring appeal of arcade nostalgia. The consistent demand for arcade game sales and rentals from businesses, as well as film and television productions, reinforces this belief. Furthermore, he observes a heartwarming trend of longtime customers now introducing their own children to the arcade, creating a new generation of arcade enthusiasts.
“We’re seeing this resurgence of classic games. I mean, we’re getting calls every day, people are like, do you have a PAC-MAN for sale? Does the arcade have this in it?” Peck notes, highlighting the growing interest in retro gaming experiences. “It seems that almost everything is going back to what the ’80s were.” For Family Arcade LA and Family Amusement Corporation, this resurgence is not just a business opportunity; it’s a continuation of a family legacy, bringing joy and nostalgic fun to the Los Angeles community for years to come.
