Yestercades Prepares To Reopen, Bring Back The Retro Fun

SOMERVILLE, NJ — Yestercades is "absolutely excited" to reopen on July 2 following Gov. Phil Murphy's announcement for indoor recreation, such as arcades, to reopen at 25 percent of capacity.

Ken Kalada, owner of Yestercades with locations in Somerville, Westfield, and Red Bank, says there is not a lot he needs to change as far as keeping things clean inside his establishments.

"We pride ourselves for going over and above the normal call of duty with opening," Kalada said. "One thing we have is a dedicated floor person whose sole purpose is to walk around and sanitize all the machines. The machines are constantly being rubbed down and the panels with rubbing alcohol."

Kalada even noted how Google and Yelp reviews have pointed out how clean his bathrooms were. This he says in indicative of how clean he keeps the entire establishment.

"I am in my late 30s and I grew up with all this kind of stuff. In the 80s and early 90s arcades were dirty," Kalada said. "When I started Yestercades in 2011 one of the things I needed to do was combat that this was a dark, dingy, dirty place. I think we have done fabulous. The place is a clean family-friendly environment."

Taking extra precautions when opening on July 2, Kalada said his staff will ensure customers are socially distancing, there will be hand sanitizer everywhere, and masks will be required for staff and patrons.

With the 25 percent capacity limit, Kalada said he will see how things go and if needed move to reservations only. As far as opening day it will be open for all.

Kalada will also host parties as a private event where he will shut down the store to accommodate the capacity limit.

The BYO (Bring Your Own) rule after 9 p.m. will resume and be strictly limited to beer and wine. Hours will also open as normal.

"Our whole staff was just talking about how much everyone missed coming to work," Kalada said. "We are excited, we miss our customers."

For more information on Yestercades visit yestercades.com.

• Read More: Gov. Murphy To Reopen NJ Libraries, Museums, Indoor Recreation

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