Pixel Pier Arcade
« A coin gives you a chance, not an identity. »The owner's motto · Beatrice et Calvin Doss
- OwnerBeatrice et Calvin Doss
- Since1980
- Address116 Ocean Drive, Beach
From the pier, reach Ocean Drive; the beeps come from the window at number 116. - Opening hoursDaily 11am–1am; change until 12:45am, scores photographed at closing.
Its story
Beatrice and her son Calvin opened in 1980 with six cabinets and a stool. She repairs coin mechanisms; he records racing, space-game and brick-breaking scores.
In 1985, cabinet eight displayed ZAP and 900,000 points. Nobody can identify the player; a written inquiry remains unanswered. Visitors come to verify the score and fund two more cabinets.
Anecdotes
- In July 1984, customer Lorna Beck spent her coins comparing the two racing machines’ steering wheels.
- In November 1985, Melvin sent a beep readout; Calvin refused to count it as a game.
- In April 1986, Dolores Van Pelt inaugurated a ticket roll without breaking any records.
The ad
Played completely straight, on NEON 103.5 FM.
(voix arcade)Listen to NEON 103.5 FM →
PIXEL PIER !
BEACH !
ARCADE !
Vous avez une pièce ?
Vous avez une chance !
Machines de course !
Jeux spatiaux !
Casse-briques !
Et trois bornes dont personne ne connaît encore le meilleur score !
Le record de la machine numéro huit est détenu par un joueur appelé ZAP.
(pause)
Aucun employé ne connaît ZAP.
Aucun client ne connaît ZAP.
(plus bas)
Mais ZAP a fait…
(longue pause)
NEUF CENT MILLE POINTS.
(accélérer)
PIXEL PIER ARCADE !
Venez battre ZAP !
Ou au moins comprendre comment il a fait !
(pause)
Nous avons demandé à ZAP.
Il a refusé.
Good to know
- Three cabinets still hide their top scores beneath illegible labels.
- The ZAP file contains one letter and an envelope returned unopened.
The neighbour
Coconut PalaceCoconut Palace is two windows away; Calvin supplies change in exchange for sand-free sandwiches.