Alpha Bits & Bytes to celebrate anniversary
COSHOCTON – Over the past year, Alpha Bits & Bytes has become more than just a place to play video and computer games.
“I didn’t expect us to sell as much food, but the food and games complement each other,” said Adrian Padilla. “It’s become a place where people can come talk to each other and hangout.”
Padilla and Haylee Babcock opened Alpha Bits in Bytes in August 2012 at 1330 S. Sixth St.
The modern day arcade has hosted birthday parties, family functions and is home to a board game group and Magic tournaments.
“Magic is a card game where people battle each other with various cards and try to achieve different levels,” Padilla said. “We have sanctioned games on Fridays and free play on Thursdays and Sundays.”
The menu at Alpha Bits & Bytes also has greatly grown since its opening and even has an international flavor.
“I like getting to introduce my (Puerto Rican) foods to Coshocton,” Padilla said.
One of the unique items on the menu is Padilla’s take on empanadas, which are deep fried, stuffed pastries.
“I started off with a basic one made with Spanish meat,” Padilla said. “It took off from there and now we also have dessert ones.”
He calls his version of empanadas, oompa loompas.
“We have Frankenstein Days, which are days we invent things,” Padilla said.
One of the special dessert oompa loompas is the Elvis that Padilla makes with bananas, peanut butter and bacon.
He also makes a great grilled chicken salad that regular Valerie Boateng has enjoyed. She also brings her children to Alpha Bits & Bytes to play games.
“It’s nice coming down here because it’s a family environment and fairly inexpensive,” Boateng said.
There is a small fee to play games and use Wi-Fi. People are welcome to come learn more about that during the one year anniversary celebration from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31. There also will be free food and beverages and a DJ.
“It feels good that we made it,” Padilla said. “We had a lot of doubters, but I don’t see us going anywhere.”
Alpha Bits & Bytes is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday.
For information, call 575-4474 or visit www.facebook.com/alphabitsandbytes.
Category: Business
