JIM AND Andrea McEwan, the proud new owners of High Score Arcade, moved to Winchester with their family just three years ago. And in that time, they’ve made quite a name for themselves in the local community.
Originally from New Jersey, Jim and Andrea moved to Winchester to start fresh and raise their families in a small, close-knit community.
Andrea said, “We just really love the small-town community. Once we started becoming part of the community, we could go to the store and always see somebody we know now. It’s a nice, small community where people know and look out for each other.”
She said the family didn’t intend to open a business when they first moved here and don’t have prior experience owning a business, but they were determined to fulfill a need in the community.
The McEwans moved to Winchester during the summer of 2020. With school being out and family birthdays in September, the couple searched for venues, but to Andrea’s surprise, there were few fun places to choose from. Some of the nearest gaming and party locations were in Murfreesboro and Huntsville.
With kids of their own, the McEwans saw a need for a fun, family-friendly place in Winchester where kids could hang out and make friends. So they decided to open up an arcade.
Opened in February 2022, the arcade boasts a diverse selection of games, including PS5 and Xbox One stations, two virtual reality rooms, over 30 classic arcades, and games suitable for all ages. Among the classics are Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and Nintendo originals. The couple recently added Guitar Hero and a pool table with air hockey and claw games.
The Winchester community welcomed the McEwans with open arms from the beginning. And with the arcade, people are even more aware of the value the family brings.
“We open the arcade, and see the repeat customers, and get to know them, and really just be a part of the community. From coming here and not having a family member living in this area to plopping down here, it’s been great to be more involved in the community and have people know us, and we know them. People feel comfortable dropping off their kids because they know it’s a safe place, and we know them by name. It’s a really awesome feeling.”
The High Score Arcade provides community members and children the perfect opportunity to stay active and make friends.
Andrea said, “I think, as a parent, it is vital in this day and age to keep them out of trouble. And I think having a safe place to go and have fun really helps them stay out of trouble.”
She said the challenges of being first-time business owners range from navigating paperwork and taxes and learning the ropes to being well-stocked with maintenance supplies to keep all of the games running.
Despite their challenges, the family plans to keep expanding. When they first opened the arcade, they only had 17 games. Now they have over 30 and are seeking to continue to grow and add even more.
Andrea said, “If we can get to a Dave and Busters kind of setup, that would be awesome.”
The High Score Arcade experience has been the first of many arcade experiences for many community members. Andrea said she wants the community to know that even first-time gamers can enjoy the arcade.
She said, “If you’ve never been to an arcade, or you might be nervous because you don’t know how to play a game, it’s great because you just go in, and you can spend five minutes on a game, you can spend an hour on a game, and explore and just try it out. And there’s no judgment.”
The McEwan family welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy a day of fun at the High Score Arcade. Generations are unified during the arcade experience.
“The younger kids don’t know about Pac-Man or Donkey Kong. So it’s great that the parents show the kids the older games. And then, the kids show their parents how to play on the PlayStation. We have grandmas and grandpas that come in and play with their grandchildren. It’s really awesome to see the different types of demographics that come in and play and have a great time.” GN
