GALION – In only a year, the owners of a Mansfield arcade outgrew their first location. They moved to a larger Mansfield location, but once again ran out of space.
But with their most recent move, Eric and Stacy Young are confident that Planet 14 has plenty of room to grow.
The couple opened their business, known as Geeksteers in Mansfield, on 137 Harding Way East in Galion on Friday, Dec. 1.
“It was closer to home and has plenty of room to continue to grow, and we don’t have to move these things anymore,” Eric Young said, pointing to approximately 45 machines that he’s collected.
The 12,000 square-foot space has allowed the couple to take their arcade and transform it into so much more. Planet 14 includes café space, where people can order a variety of “out-of-this-world” burgers, and a bar with several options on tap and mixed drinks.
Some of the burgers are named after planets like Venus and Jupiter, and others have themed names like the “Lunar Burger.”
Sports, including the NFL Sunday Ticket, will be shown on several televisions, and the owners plan to have live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights – All in addition to the dozens of arcade and pinball games.
The arcade will offer a family-friendly atmosphere until 9 p.m. and transition into adult-only hours afterwards.
The Youngs, residents of Galion, signed the lease on the new space on April 24, 2017.
“On his birthday,” Stacy said.
They kept Geeksteers open through mid-August, but then transitioned into working full-time renovating Planet 14.
“Eighty-seven gallons of paint later, I’m so thankful it’s done,” Stacy said.
The couple discovered that she was pregnant with their fifth child shortly after committing to moving the business. The other four — Faith, Walker, Aeris and Jackie – have helped in the transition.
“God has a funny since of humor,” Stacy said with a laugh.
In the future, Eric hopes to bring in some newer games. In the long term, if another expansion is needed, there are two additional floors in the building — which could also be renovated.
Eric says he’s always loved arcade games. He recalls a time when he had collected seven in his living room before Stacy became “upset with him.”
“I miss him collecting Nintendo games because at least I could put them in boxes and hide them under the bed. I can’t hide these. They don’t fit,” Stacy said.
Hours are from 4 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Fridays and noon to 2:30 a.m. Saturdays. The arcade will also open at noon Sundays and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, but the closing times haven’t yet been determined.
“For the first couple weeks, we’ll stay open as long as there are people here,” Young said.
