Business
BY KAREN CHANEY
The racing games are popular at Free Play Denton.
A variety of pinball games are located in the basement of Free Play Denton, which is located o the square.
PHOTOS BY KAREN CHANEY COMMUNITY IMPACT
Free Play Denton features two oors of retro gaming When Corey Hyden, his wife Kelsie Hyden and brother-in-law Richard Tregilgas, opened Free Play in Denton in 2018, he expected the customer base to re ect people like himself. However, he was surprised by the demographic the arcade attracts. “I was 29 [years old] and a lawyer, so I assumed we’re going to target young professionals,” Hyden said. “I very quickly found out this is a place for everyone. Our primary [demographic] is families and the going-out-at-night crowd.” The setup An entry fee of $12.89 per person allows cus- tomers to play over 95 arcade games and pinball machines, which are all set to free play. Guests under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Adult- only times are in e ect after 9 p.m.
A ceiling mural featuring the 1980s classic arcade game Centipede is located in Free Play Denton.
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Hyden said Free Play boasts the biggest Killer Queen—a 10-player arcade game—league in the world. About 350 members play at the Dallas, Den- ton and Richardson Free Play locations weekly. What else? Free Play has a food menu that includes appetiz- ers, sandwiches and atbreads. The beverage menu has a variety of beers and themed cocktails, including Mario Mario, the Fresh Prince and the Je Spicoli.
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Free Play Denton is located in a two-story building on the square in downtown Denton. “I bought that building entirely because of the huge basement,” Hyden said.
101 W. Hickory St., Denton www.freeplayinc.com/denton
live concert ~ food trucks ~ prizes ~ kid’s zone & more!
June 26 (set-up) & 27 (event) Copperas Branch Park 101 Highland Village Rd Highland Village, TX 75077 Sponsorships & Team Registration are OPEN!
Paddle up for a great cause! Join us at the Lake Lewisville Dragon Boat Festival . Gather your crew, race for fun, and support Serve Denton and Denton Lake Cities Rotary. Let’s make waves together!
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DENTON EDITION
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