In 2014, Leonard told a Record reporter that he wanted South Whidbey to be a “pinball mecca” someday.Īlong the way, he cultivated a garden bed of creativity, where musical performances, swap meets, comic conventions and other events could coexist in addition to a good old-fashioned game of pinball. Although he’s closing up shop at the arcade, his influence can be found all around Langley in the form of various neon signs he’s designed for other local businesses. Leonard plans to invest his time into Heavy Light Works, his lighting business.
He will also sell some of his signs, including the large light-up ones in the arcade. The other half of the collection will be up for sale, with the exception of a few machines Leonard plans to keep for himself. With rent, utilities and maintenance of the machines to pay for, the Machine Shop is costing Leonard money to keep running.Ībout half of the machines are owned by his friends and will be returned to their homes. “They’ll be at peace when we’re gone,” Leonard joked of the citizens of Langley.Īlthough a fundraiser helped the arcade stay afloat during the earlier days of the pandemic, the profit margin has grown too narrow to continue. As many as 10 bands could be playing in an all-day show. Rodger has been tasked with booking the talent for the Machine Shop’s last hurrah in October. “It’s a really cool place to bring in younger people who are just learning these things for the first time, seeing music for the first time,” he said. He described the Langley arcade as “a little cultural hub” where new generations have had the opportunity to learn about the island’s music scene. “It always gave everybody involved something to do.” “It’s always nice to see an all-ages place that’s homegrown,” Rodger said. Jason Rodger, the vocalist for Whidbey-based punk rock band Potbelly, has helped coordinate a number of shows for other bands at the eclectic venue. “I’ve had people come to me and say, ‘I’m going to go practice my guitar because I want to play the Machine Shop someday.’ It was inspiring,” Leonard said. Over the years the arcade has become a hotspot for musicians, both young and old, to perform.
“It’s never been much of a business, it’s been a weird physical representation of how much this one guy likes arcade games and tries to make people feel better. “I’ve always just kind of liked helping Tim out with it, because it always seemed like such a manifestation of his passion,” Bodner said. “It wasn’t uncommon to see them come in and help him in return.”Ĭruz himself has helped customers unstick quarters, swept floors and cleaned the machines.Īnother volunteer, Asa Bodner, spoke fondly of helping with the aesthetic refurbishment of the machines in the arcade. “Tim’s done a lot to help a lot of people,” Cruz said. As newer residents of South Whidbey, it provided them with a vital social outlet.Ī dedicated group of volunteers have kept the cogs of the business turning, stepping in to help when needed. Sean Cruz and his 14-year-old son discovered the Langley arcade when it reopened in 2021, after being closed for some time during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s also been a safe haven for recovering alcoholics looking to socialize. In an effort to keep things inclusive for all ages, the Machine Shop doesn’t serve liquor, beer or wine. “That’s the whole idea, to get the high score.” “I like the old-school aspect of putting actual quarters in the machine and trying to win a game,” he said.
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James Smith, a regular at the Machine Shop, swings by the arcade a couple of times per week to try and beat the high score, which will earn the player a free game. “It’s more grassroots, it’s more homebrew. “I thought maybe we’d be different out here, because we do things differently out here,” he said. Many modern arcades choose to employ an automated card system or charge a flat rate at the door that lets people play games an unlimited number of times without inserting coins, referred to as free play.īut by spending quarters, the player has something to lose, and “skin in the game,” Leonard said. The antiquated cash-based system has had its ups and downs, with coins regularly jamming the machines being the biggest problem.Īnd yet, Leonard wouldn’t have it any other way. “About half of the machines here cost 25 cents. We still have machines that cost a quarter,” Leonard said. From the start, the arcade has operated on a somewhat unconventional business model. He began stashing his machines around South Whidbey businesses before eventually opening the Machine Shop.
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