Top headlines of the week, March 21 2025
Here are some stories you may have missed on Dispatch.com and in the Columbus Dispatch newspaper.
16-Bit Bar + Arcade will see its last day of operation Sunday.
Development firm Rise Brands announced Monday that the arcade in downtown Columbus will close for good on March 30 after 12 years.
“Closing this location is very bittersweet for us,” said Troy Allen, founder and CEO.
“16-Bit started everything for Rise Brands, and it’s had a huge impact on our rapid growth throughout the years. We’re beyond grateful for the years of support from our guests, our community and the incredible team members who helped make 16-Bit a special place. While this location is closing, 16-Bit’s energy isn’t going anywhere.”
16-Bit Bar + Arcade, at 254 S. Fourth St., first opened in 2013 as a cornerstone for classic arcade games, social entertainment and craft cocktails.
A “Final Round” farewell party will be held Friday from 4 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. for giveaways, games and drink specials.
According to a press release, Rise Brands said guests can still enjoy arcade games at Pins Mechanical Co. at the Bridge Park and Easton Town Center locations. The company also operates 16-Bit locations in several other cities.
Rise Brands is currently working to turn The Bogey Inn at into an entertainment campus by the 2026 Memorial Tournament.
The company had planned to open a new Pins location in the second phase of the Peninsula development in Franklinton, but it exited that project late last year.
Trending features reporter Amani Bayo can be reached at abayo@dispatch.com.