Our Story

It all started when Aftershock Retrogames’ founder & co-owner, Brad Van, discovered a broken Pac-Man machine in the corner of a Madison East side gyro restaurant back in 1997.  On a whim he offered $100 for it and was surprised when they accepted the offer. He brought it home, had it repaired, and his apartment smelled like a gyro for years! The game became a hit with house guests, and it wasn’t long before Brad was on the prowl to add another classic to his collection. It was then a vision took hold: What if there were an arcade filled exclusively with all the tried & true classic games from the golden age of video gaming? Believing it was a good idea, he set himself on a mission to acquire as many of the best vintage machines as possible. Before long, his apartment was over stocked with games (as were the living spaces of his supportive friends and family).  Finding himself in need for more room, Brad found an affordable location on Madison’s North side.  Aftershock Retrogames, Wisconsin’s first dedicated classic arcade, was opened in 2000.

Surprisingly, it wasn’t long before the arcade received great local press, and even national attention from news outlets and gaming organizations like Twin Galaxies. A unique game list and exceptional restoration of the classic cabinets drew people from all around to come check it out. After about six years of operating a full arcade, Brad’s focus shifted to raising a family and his other passion, music. When not at the arcade, Brad is generally with his family or touring the country as the guitarist, vocalist and founder of the stoner thrash band Droids Attack. While the brick & mortar classic arcade model was put on hold, it was not over. The machines remained in high demand, operated at various locations throughout Southern Wisconsin: Bars, restaurants, retail shops, any place that take one… or fifty!  Always the dream, the plan was to one day reopen once the right partners could be found.

Enter Chris Welch! A long-time classic game enthusiast and patron of Brad’s first locations.During that time, Chris managed an area bar at a bowling alley gaining a critical education and experience in the industry. Chris had the idea to feature Brad’s machines and while that idea didn’t materialize then, the two stayed in touch and began discussing the possibility of a future partnership. While Brad operated machines and toured the country, Chris opened two well respected businesses on Madison’s East side, Trixie’s Liqour, & Growlers To Go Go developing relationships throughout the beverage and gaming industry. Over the years Chris and Brad have collaborated on events and promotions, met regularly in hopes of finding the perfect location and eventually opening an arcade bar with the largest classic game collection around. They landed on 1444 East Washington in Madison, Wisconsin, and long time friends Gabe Dommershausen, & Ross Hubbard were quickly brought on as partners to seal the deal! Aftershock Classic Arcade is back and better than ever! We look forward to serving the community for years to come.