Interest
Namco Brings Pac-Man to Suburban Chicago With A Barcade
posted on by Bamboo Dong
It seems that officially-licensed, video game-themed eateries aren't just for Japan anymore. The American branch of Namco Entertainment has staked out a space in Chicago suburb Schaumburg, IL's Woodfield Mall for Level 257, a "unique dining, entertainment & social experience inspired by PAC-MAN™."
The 40,000-square-foot space will have a 180-seat restaurant; cocktail lounges with firepits; a sports bar with craft beers, wines, and cocktails; an art gallery; private event spaces; and of course, plenty of games. In addition to arcade games, Level 257 will also have 16 bowling lanes, pinball machines, Ping Pong, and board games. The space will also include a Pac-Man retail store.
Level 257 is named for the inevitable glitch that occurs when players reach the 256th board in Pac-Man. The place is set to open early 2015.
Thanks to Daniel Zelter for the tip!
this article has been modified since it was originally posted; see change history