Member Minute with The Arcade

139 N. Mead, Wichita, KS 67202 | 316-844-0010 | thearcadewichita.com Facebook: @thearcadewichita | Twitter & Instagram: @arcadewichita

Owners Michael Jensen and Derek Sorrells have brought a new and unique entertainment option to downtown Wichita. What do you do when you and your buddy own nearly 70 arcade game from the 80s and 90s? You open a place where people from all around can enjoy them, which is exactly what arcade game collectors Derek Sorrells and Michael Jensen did. For some, visiting The Arcade brings back nostalgia of their youth. For others, it is the first time experiencing these games. And for all, it is a lot of fun. President Derek Sorrells shares what makes The Arcade unique (and an incredible deal – only $10 for all-day play!) and his enthusiasm for gaming in this Small Business Week Member Minute Profile. Please tell us a little bit about your company. The Arcade was opened on December 15, 2017 by Derek Sorrells and Michael Jensen, two arcade game collectors that turned their private collections into a place where everyone can enjoy and play 80s and 90s arcade games. We are located in downtown Wichita at 139 N. Mead. Describe your business’ most recent success. Parties! We have held MANY parties….more than we ever thought we would. We have hosted everything from corporate parties to church groups to team-building events. And, of course, birthday parties. $10 buys all-day, unlimited play at The Arcade. To what do you attribute your success? A simple low price ($10 for all the games you can play!) and a large group of games that all work! What differentiates your business from your competitors? We don’t require quarters or tokens for our 75 video games. Customers can play all they want for one flat fee. What is something people may not know about you or your business? Michael and I owned 90% of the arcade games BEFORE the arcade opened. Both had huge personal collections in their basements and now we get to share them with our customers. Where do you see your organization in five years? It’s difficult to know where we’ll be in five years. This is an interesting business based somewhat on nostalgia. Hopefully we are still around and growing! What about your business are you most passionate? Seeing people smile and hearing them tell their kids, “This is what an arcade was like when I was a kid!” The stories and comments like that make our business worthwhile every day. Is your company involved in any community/civic activities? We generously donate to non-profits. Share any fun facts, throw backs, historical facts, or unique aspects of your business. Derek’s first arcade game was Galaga and Michael’s was Mortal Kombat 2. THE CHAMBER Why did you join the Chamber? We joined the Chamber in order to work with other small business owners and to grow and learn together. SMALL BUSINESS What is the best thing about being a small business? If something needs to change, we change it. What is the most challenging thing about running a small business? You’re the CEO and the janitor at the same time. What is your best piece of advice for new small business owners/entrepreneurs? Plan. Talk to people already doing what you want to do. Don’t let your passion overrule logic. WICHITA BUSINESS COMMUNITY What is the best thing about doing business in the Wichita area? The people. We are friends with people that run arcades across the U.S. The problems they seem to have (like trying to sneak in, rude and crass behavior, etc.), we just don’t see much of it. People are friendly and respectful. OTHER Favorite app? The Points Guy (love traveling!) Favorite business book? Anything from Tony Robbins