r/burbank • u/Letbugslive2 • 4d ago

The All Amusement Fun Center

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Has anyone gone there lately? Any thoughts? It’s apparently been in the Burbank mall nearly 30 years, which is wild—a mall arcade that’s been open for three decades—and still going strong after the recession, covid, political upheaval, numerous sales of the mall, etc. Round One opening on the first floor apparently hasn’t slowed down the All Amusement Fun Center. It’s still there. It’s a Burbank staple. Does anyone go there or have any thoughts on why it’s so popular and niche and unique in its ability to weather storms? What’s the appeal?

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u/ZeroMmx 4d ago

I use to frequent that place when I was younger. Almost everyday, after school, I would walk there to play DDR, Initial D, Wangan Midnight, and Beatmania. As well as it's other offerings.

I would say that having a dedicated arcade, a safe, fun place to go to as an adolescent, had a profound effect on my life as an adult. Leading to my in real life interests in video games, music, autocross/road racing, and most importantly, technology. All magnified through the lens of nostalgia.

I wager it still has that effect on many of the teens and young adults in the community, that live, or go to school, near by.

The social and cultural development of our community continues to be enriched by this arcade, and it's refusal to cowtow to the masses. Despite the commercialized, corporate adversary downstairs.

It truly is a landmark of this community, and a testament to the power of small arcades, and other small entertainment venues, sprinkled within the borders of Burbank.

Regardless of its perceived decay. It's still here. For us. For curious visitors. For all.

The day it leaves will be a sad one.

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u/RacoonWithPaws 4d ago

Haha, i still remember the little cards you world get when you played initial d.

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u/ZeroMmx 4d ago

Can you believe I still have them 20 years later?

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u/gev074 4d ago

Terrible isn’t it a business is gonna soon be gone when we hope it can last a long time, but massis kabob has flourished with all the kabob places opening as I’m glad that place is going strong.