Meet Scott Goldsmith | Arcade Fanatic | Dream Builder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Scott Goldsmith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Scott, how do you think about risk?
Risk is a scary thought for a lot of people, including me. For the majority of my life I played the normal game, get a job, try to find something I enjoyed and worked hard to be the best I could at it. It worked fine for a while but there was always something missing and that was working for myself and having all the effort, long hours, blood sweat and tears go towards my business/goals vs someone else’s. The only way to finally make that happen was to take a huge risk and start my own business, leave the corporate world and go for it.

Once that step was taken I’ve never looked back. There is no back. I will make it and become successful in all I do no matter what it takes. That philosophy has worked so far and I continue to refine my skill set and surround myself with like minded people that share the same goals. I couldn’t imagine my life right now if I look back 10 years, I would have thought it was impossible. Going from a regular job to owning 5 businesses within 5 years is a dream come true. The only way to achieve your dreams is to take that first risky step and hold on tight!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The first business I opened was Level 1 Arcade Bar in downtown Gilbert. I’m a child of the glory days of arcades, malls and hanging out with friends in person. I lived in the arcade and always had a dream of opening my very own arcade. As time went on I grew an obsession with opening a bar, I loved the energy, atmosphere, people loving life and having fun. Around 2008 the arcade bar scene exploded and I was mesmerized by the idea and concept of the arcade bar, combining my two passions and dreams into one concept. I had to make that happen and finally did in 2019 with the help of some amazing friends.

Our concept really takes you back to the 80s and 90s with the decor, classic arcade and pinball machines, music, vibe, comradery and welcoming environment. I wanted to build a place with exceptional service at its core. I’ve frequently countless bars, restaurants and whatnot over my life and the one thing I appreciated most is the service I get. I wanted to build that “CHEERS” mentality/vibe when you walk in your greeted immediately, we learn your name, treat you like family and know that the most important thing we can offer is amazing service. The games are pretty cool too! 😉

Getting to today with two Level 1 locations (Downtown Gilbert & Downtown Mesa), a Speakeasy (Alchemy 48), a Doughnut Shop & Bar (Outcast Doughnuts) and opening soon our wine lounge (Rebel Wine Lounge) was no easy task by any means. Opening the first concept two months before COVID hit and shut us down was unimaginable. Nothing can prepare you for that. Not only for the business but more importantly for our employees, having to let your brand new team go due to things out of your control is heartbreaking. Luckily for us we have the best team we could have hoped for and when we were able to open up they were there waiting for us and we still have several original staff members from day 1. To overcome all the challenges we’ve faced, it’s about buckling down and doing whatever it takes to make it. From personally cleaning the bars, working on repairs, bartending or cooking, painting or laying tile during the build outs, we did what was needed. Looking back it was all worth it and would do it again in a heartbeat to be able to provide for our employees and our own families.

Going through unprecedented times like COVID, insanely high inflation, cost of good, gas prices, labor rates and all the other fun stuff that gets thrown your way along the ride, you learn a ton! Learning to recognize trends quicker, pivot extremely fast and often, work alongside other local businesses to help each other build business and continuing to press on have all come from the difficulties we faced and continue to face each day.

We are a small family owned business group that loves creating amazing concepts and building lifelong friendships along the way. You will notice all the personal love, passion, dedication and attention to detail in all our concepts and we are very proud of that.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well that’s easy, I would take them to all of our concepts for sure! 🙂 But honestly I would really show them how much the cities we grew up in have changed. Downtown Gilbert is unrecognizable from where it was just 10 years ago. Downtown Mesa has had a roller coaster of a lifespan and is really shining again with all the amazing businesses open down there now. The most amazing part of Downtown Mesa is you meet and become friends with each business owner as we all are in our places each day working on them, working in them and genuinely supporting each other. It’s truly inspiring to get to know each owner, learn about their journey and find ways we can work together to generate business, change the perception of the area and bring Downtown Mesa back to the glory days it once knew. You have amazing concept like Outcast Doughnuts, Phantom Fox & Chupacabra, Que Chevere, Espiritu, AZ Distilling Co, 12 West Brewery, The Nile Theater and so many more in Downtown Mesa you wouldn’t want to leave.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The person I can’t thank enough and want to give a shoutout from the MOON is the love of my life Christina, my wife who’s been there from day one and supported me through it all. She has helped design, manage, run and coordinate so many things in all the businesses that there’s no way I could be here without her. Being high school sweethearts and together for 28 years now, we’ve been through it all. We never gave up on our dreams, always worked hard and did whatever it took to support us and our family. We’ve learned so much over the years and now Christina is opening her own wine lounge and I couldn’t be more proud of her and to be there for her like she has been there for me.

Website: https://www.level1arcade.bar/ & https://www.alchemy48.com/ & https://www.rebelwinelounge.com/ & https://www.outcastdoughnuts.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/level1arcadebar_gilbert/ & https://www.instagram.com/level1arcadebar_mesa/ & https://www.instagram.com/alchemy48speakeasy & https://www.instagram.com/rebelwinelounge & https://www.instagram.com/outcast_doughnuts/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/level1arcade/ & https://www.facebook.com/level1arcadebarmesa & https://www.facebook.com/alchemy48 & https://www.facebook.com/rebelwinelounge & https://www.facebook.com/outcastdoughnuts

Image Credits
Aaron Wallace