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Business News
Independence, MO —
Mike Freeland has never given up.
Last year, just several weeks after Electric Theatre Arcade – a dream 15 years in the making for Freeland – had a successful grand opening during Santa-Cali-Gon Days, the business was forced to close its doors because of a lack of proper licensing.
But Freeland, an Independence native and the owner of Freeland Photography in downtown Lee’s Summit, didn’t toss aside the dream, and now, less than a month before the 40th annual Santa-Cali-Gon Days Festival, Freeland is again working hard to prepare to reopen Electric Theatre Arcade.
“We’ve never shelved the plans,” he said Wednesday. “We’ve just been progressing through plans.”
McClain Enterprises’ summer intern group from Graceland University has worked in recent months to get the business up and going once again. Previously, Electric Theatre Arcade was housed inside the adjacent Square Pizza (owned by McClain Enterprises) party room.
This time around, however, a “coming soon” sign is in the window of the former Plowman Photography at 119 W. Lexington Ave., next to Courthouse Exchange. The full renovation will take about six months, but Freeland said the city is going to allow Electric Theatre Arcade a temporary business permit for Santa-Cali-Gon Days weekend.
“In this economy, we want to make sure we’ve got everything right before we open a business,” Freeland said. “We have been in discussion with the city all summer, so they’re aware of our plans.”
Freeland’s inventory of video arcade games – which he purchased and fixed up himself – includes Pac-Man, Ms. Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Centipede, Galaga, Joust and many others. Several hundred people from multiple states visited the arcade in its opening weekend last year.
“The response was proof that it was a viable entertainment destination,” Freeland said. “We had an overwhelming response, and it was great to see that. Everyone loved it.”
Like last year, Electric Theatre Arcade will feature a flat “pay-to-play” admission fee, likely $5, Freeland said. Fans can continue to receive updates on the arcade’s Facebook page.
“Economically, we want to make sure that we don’t rush into anything too quickly,” Freeland said. “I’m still as passionate about getting it done and having it be a success. I love the opportunity to keep working on the Independence Square.”
Mike Freeland has never given up.
Last year, just several weeks after Electric Theatre Arcade – a dream 15 years in the making for Freeland – had a successful grand opening during Santa-Cali-Gon Days, the business was forced to close its doors because of a lack of proper licensing.
But Freeland, an Independence native and the owner of Freeland Photography in downtown Lee’s Summit, didn’t toss aside the dream, and now, less than a month before the 40th annual Santa-Cali-Gon Days Festival, Freeland is again working hard to prepare to reopen Electric Theatre Arcade.
“We’ve never shelved the plans,” he said Wednesday. “We’ve just been progressing through plans.”
McClain Enterprises’ summer intern group from Graceland University has worked in recent months to get the business up and going once again. Previously, Electric Theatre Arcade was housed inside the adjacent Square Pizza (owned by McClain Enterprises) party room.
This time around, however, a “coming soon” sign is in the window of the former Plowman Photography at 119 W. Lexington Ave., next to Courthouse Exchange. The full renovation will take about six months, but Freeland said the city is going to allow Electric Theatre Arcade a temporary business permit for Santa-Cali-Gon Days weekend.
“In this economy, we want to make sure we’ve got everything right before we open a business,” Freeland said. “We have been in discussion with the city all summer, so they’re aware of our plans.”
Freeland’s inventory of video arcade games – which he purchased and fixed up himself – includes Pac-Man, Ms. Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Centipede, Galaga, Joust and many others. Several hundred people from multiple states visited the arcade in its opening weekend last year.
“The response was proof that it was a viable entertainment destination,” Freeland said. “We had an overwhelming response, and it was great to see that. Everyone loved it.”
Like last year, Electric Theatre Arcade will feature a flat “pay-to-play” admission fee, likely $5, Freeland said. Fans can continue to receive updates on the arcade’s Facebook page.
“Economically, we want to make sure that we don’t rush into anything too quickly,” Freeland said. “I’m still as passionate about getting it done and having it be a success. I love the opportunity to keep working on the Independence Square.”
