Retro Arcade Stanthorpe: Why Girraween couple opened new arcade in the age of video games

A Girraween couple has opened a brand new business, promising retro fun for young and old, drawing inspiration from one of their first ever dates.

A Southern Downs couple has opened a region-first business which promises retro fun for young and old, with big plans for the future.

Girraween’s Tatiana Larsen and James Costenoble are self-proclaimed ‘kids at heart’ and have always loved going to arcades.

Taking inspiration from their love of the retro entertainment, the couple has opened their own at Stanthorpe.

The pair met and had one of their first dates at an arcade venue in Brisbane, and now all these years later have created their own on Railway St, Stanthorpe.

Mr Costenoble moved to Stanthorpe eight years ago to escape the city and began practicing permaculture and organic farming, with Ms Larsen, originally from Denmark, making the move soon after.

James and Tatiana went on one of their first dates at an arcade, now they're bringing an arcade of their own to the Granite Belt.

The couple say they were a couple of kids at heart and have always loved going to arcades, which inspired the business move.

“We are parents of a 10-year-old and a 15-year-old and we are always looking for things to do together as a family,” Ms Larsen said.

“We hope to create something special for our community and to be a fun and safe space for people of all ages to enjoy.”

The couple said they are excited to be able to bring an authentic arcade experience back into a town like Stanthorpe, and will take the opportunity to have a few games together on the sly.

The self-proclaimed 'kids at heart' have always loved going to arcades, and have just opened their own at Stanthorpe.

“So far we’ve seen seven year olds through to 70 year olds come in and have a good time, and families and couples on dates,” she said.

“The young are having fun experiencing arcade machines for the first time as well as the young at heart taking a trip down memory lane and playing their old favourites.”

The couple said opening the business on Sunday was the “fun and exciting culmination of a dream coming to fruition.”

The region hasn’t had an acade since 2017, with Warwick’s Video Ezy store which featured a few gaming machines, but nothing of the size of the pair’s new venture.

“We’ve had a lovely turnout and the response has been overwhelming already,” Mr Costenoble said.

Retro Arcade Stanthorpe is fun for all ages, and open every day.

“We feel very humbled and fortunate to be living in a community that has been very lovely and supportive of us and our new venture.”

As parents, the new business owners know the importance healthier snack and treat options, and are even doing twists on some classic snack foods, with organic popcorn, slushies and nachos coming to the menu.

The pair also hope to be a go-to spot for birthday parties and after hours private functions moving forward.

You can visit Retro Arcade Stanthorpe, open seven days at 17 Railway St, Stanthorpe, and visit them on Facebook.