WORCESTER - The SavePoint Tavern in Worcester only opened for business nine months ago.
But, the coronavirus pandemic kept the video game bar closed for nearly half of that time.
"When the shut down happened, take out wasn't really an option because we were still very new and we didn't have a strong enough fan base to support," said owner Brian Huff.
Huff says his business is categorized as an arcade and pushed to Phase IV of the state's reopening plan.
But he argues the SavePoint serves food and has the same operations as a restaurant.
"We do have a food permit. We have a full menu so we should be classified as a restaurant. We have a full liquor license so we have that bar aspect also. But our gaming aspect is what's really holding us up," Huff said.
Grafton Street's Pixels and Pints is n the same situation.
Owner Jason Eastty says if the state is reopening casinos, why is it arcades are being held back?
"What I'm not fine with is something as arbitrary as that. Because a slot machine, besides the obvious winning money, is the same thing. You're standing there, sitting there, playing something. It's not different playing an arcade game," Eastty said.
Eastty is hoping to open by the end of the month, with or without games.
Huff tried to open up the SavePoint Tavern earlier this week.
The video game bars say they're following state guidelines.
Eastty said, "We'll have enough face masks for everybody. We'll have gloves if they want. That was more for the games but if you still want to use them, by all means."
Huff said, "I'm [going to] stay within 25 people at a time. I'm going to limit my hours, social distancing. I'm doing everything I'm supposed to be doing."
Both owners also say they will keep advocating for video game bars in phase 3 because their future is uncertain right now.
Eastty said, "There is just so much in the air, and not knowing when we'll be able to do it. Because Phase IV, we don't know when that's going to begin."
Photo Credit: Jillian Rollins Photography