New Retro Arcade Is Coming To Downtown Metuchen

METUCHEN, NJ — YESTERcades an upscale retro arcade with 100 arcade/pinball machines, gaming stations, billiards and more, is coming to downtown Metuchen.

The arcade will be located at the former Manasquan Bank site, adjacent to the public park that was donated by the bank. It is expected to open in early 2024.

This is the brand’s fourth location with arcades in Somerville, Red Bank, and Westfield.

Metuchen Downtown Alliance Executive Director, Dawn Mackey, assessed the mix of businesses and immediately knew an experiential venue was missing to support the excellent restaurant scene and unique retail that already existed in the borough.

“ It’s not enough to be a town of great places to eat, you need places for residents and visitors to enjoy interactive activity.”

Mackey collaborated with the Borough to remove dated restrictions that were a barrier to welcoming new businesses.

Jason Delia, Council President and Liaison to the MDA, was instrumental in facilitating these changes.

“Our Main Street is filled with the type of independently-owned businesses you would expect to find in any thriving downtown. The local pub, an ice cream shop, and pizzerias, to name a few. But Metuchen also has businesses that really set us apart. A tattoo parlor, unique gift stores, upscale dining, and now a public park and arcade in the heart of downtown,” Delia said.

“When Dawn approached the Borough with her desire to add experiential businesses to the mix, our first step was ensuring that our ordinances were refreshed and reflective of the town we have become and strive to be – a local destination in the heart of Central Jersey. The collaboration and partnership on this project is a testament to what makes our Borough so special.”

Lifelong Metuchen resident Rory Josell is the developer of the property. “ It is so gratifying to contribute to my own community through my professional work on this building. My family, along with partners the Rosamilias, share a profound commitment to enhancing our Downtown through acquiring, improving, and managing properties throughout the Town. We are thrilled to have worked with the Mayor and Council, the Borough, and the MDA to bring this collaboration to fruition,” Josell said.

Mayor Jonathan M. Busch said that as someone who spent a lot of time in arcades growing up, welcoming YESTERcades to the borough seems right out of a childhood dream.

“As Mayor, your hope is to cultivate a thriving Downtown where residents want to spend their time and people from outside the Borough want to visit,” Busch said.

“Yestercades is that special business that will help achieve that goal.”

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