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Two-Bit Operation arcade to be resurrected … sort of

News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Bob LeFevre, owner of Bob’s Bullpen, plays a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles acrade game at the arcade he will open Friday that will be modeled after a popular local arcade that long ago shuttered.

ALPENA — In the 1980s and early 90s there were few places in Alpena as popular for youth as the local arcade, Two-Bit Operation.

The long-closed business is going to get a resurrection, of sorts, as Bob’s Bullpen owner Bob LeFevre is opening a retro-style arcade adjacent to his downtown comic book store and hotdog restaurant, using the iconic local name.

The arcade will officially open at noon Friday after a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

LeFevre said he remembers the fun he had at the original Two-Bit, as it was affectionately called by its customers, and the opening of the arcade’s second location in the Alpena Mall.

He said recreating the vibe of the original is important, but creating a place where teens and families can have fun together was his main motivator. LeFevre said he expects customers will come to play games who were attracted to the thrill of the original arcade, but also younger people who are just now getting into stand-up, cabinet arcade games.

“I have seen a lot of young families that come in, and this will give them a place to come in and spend the whole afternoon between the store, restaurant, theater, and arcade,” LeFevre said. “A lot of us grew up with Two-Bit and enjoy the nostalgic aspect of the old games. I have just as many grown-ups who are excited about this. I think, when the kids get in there, they will flip out. The parents can experience something from their childhood and share it with their kids for the first time.”

LeFevre said people who order a combo meal at his restaurant will get a free half-hour in the arcade, or people can pay $5 for a half-hour or $8 an hour during normal business hours to play games at his arcade. People will also be able to rent the theater and arcade for parties or private use.

LeFevre said he also is going to host video game tournaments for $5 each Friday. He said participants will battle each other on several different games to move up the brackets. The championship match will be played on the large theater screen, where spectators can watch in the theater seating

“We will have prizes, and we want to have trophies where we can either put their names on it or they can take home,” he said. “I think that will get people really excited and think they will be popular.”

The first tournament is slated for 5:30 p.m. Dec. 20.

For more information on Two-Bit Operation, the theater, Bob’s Bullpen, the Bulldog Restaurant, or facility rental availability and cost, call 989-356-5998.

Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com. Follow him on Twitter @ss_alpenanews.com.

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