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Business & Tech

Business Spotlight: Starbase Arcade

This old-school game oasis reminds a new generation to always keep a few quarters on hand.

Starbase Arcade

1545 Fourth Street, San Rafael

(415) 459-7655, starbase4u@aol.com

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What do they offer?

Before you could game from the palm of your hand, arcade console machines were king. celebrates these childhood staples, lining their walls with vintage and modern titles to entice new players and veterans alike. More than 20 games are housed in Starbase's ideally situated Fourth Street location. In addition to the regular play, special programs and events occur often, from tournaments to private parties.

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Who are they?

Starbase owner Bob Albritton was studying psychology at University of San Francisco when he met Dan Zelinsky, owner of the Musee Mechanique antique arcade, then still at San Francisco's Cliff House. Albritton became an arcade attendant for the Musee in the fall of 1976, and followed the museum when it relocated to its current home at Fisherman's Wharf. 

Starbase opened in 1982, the same year Albritton began a video game repair venture and adopted the moniker "Video Bob." By 1984, "Video Bob" was operating his own games and working as the repairman for Starbase. He then opened the Fun Junction, an arcade off the Tam Junction on Highway 1, securing one of only two permits ever issued for an arcade in an unincorporated area in Marin County (the other was Chuck E.  Cheese).

Finally, in 1996, "Video Bob" purchased Starbase. The arcade was a launching pad for Atari's new version of several titles. One such game, the racing-based Rush 2049, had many of its first world records set by Starbase patrons. Currently the arcade's mission is to provide low-cost entertainment to families on a budget while still featuring relevant games and an atmosphere that caters to players.

How long have they been there?

Starbase opened in 1982, and "Video Bob" has been in charge since 1996.

Why are they in our Business Spotlight?

In a time where taking your spouse and children out to a movie is tantamount to a small vacation, Starbase is a great and inexpensive way to spend a couple hours with the family." Video Bob" is acutley aware of the impact a slowing economy has had on many businesses, Starbase among them. As a father of two teenagers, he is empathetic to the shrinking family budget for entertainment. So Starbase has instigated a private party option, which allows for birthday boys and girls of all ages to enjoy unlimited gameplay for a set amount of time, at a reasonable cost. 

There are also "fight nights" each Wednesday, where competitive fans of new console fighting games get together to duke it out.

"The object is to get a sizable group of players together under the same roof to compete, and have fun together," "Video Bob" said.

Starbase will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2012. 

 

For more information on Starbase, please visit their website,  http://www.starbasearcade.com/

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