Arcade bar with vintage games finds new home in nostalgic Pasco speakeasy
Power Up Arcade Bar has a new address, a speakeasy vibe and expanded food options after the former Kennewick business moved to Pasco.
Owner Michael Miller moved Power Up after its original six-year lease on space above Porter’s Real BBQ near Columbia Center mall expired at the end of March.
Miller owns both Power Up and two Proof restaurants. The original is across a parking lot from Power Up’s old Kennewick spot. The other is in Pasco, near HAPO Center, 6627 Burden Blvd.
The new Power Up spot is housed in the speakeasy bar of the Pasco Proof.
The arcade and video games, most dating to the 1980s and 1990s, line the entry lobby and have taken over a dark corner of Proof’s former speakeasy bar, formerly the Juice Box Bar.
Miller is creating a separate Power Up business for Pasco. In the interim, it is serving the public under Proof’s liquor license.
Skee-Ball, pinball and karaoke
The arcade bar may have moved, but it retains the gaming vibe that inspired fans to venture to the busy retail area around Columbia Center.
It will keep hosting Skee-Ball and pinball leagues.
The space seats about 40 and has two private karaoke rooms. In keeping with its nostalgic vibe, the private rooms are accessed via an old Coke machine (35 cents) and a retired telephone booth.
Power Up is keeping its bring-your-own-food policy, though Miller intends to encourage guests to order from Proof.
The bring-your-own originated in Kennewick, where its lease prohibited it from competing with its downstairs neighbor, Porter’s.
Miller said customers can still bring food, but he won’t actively encourage it. Customers may not bring their own alcohol.
Consolidating the Power Up with Proof in Pasco made operational and financial sense.
The Columbia Center Boulevard space carried a rent commensurate with the massive amount of traffic that passed by outside, he said.
Once the liquor license is issued, Power Up will operate as a legally distinct business, but with close ties to Proof.
Business hours are 5-9 p.m., weekdays and 4-11 p.m., Friday and Saturdays. Miller said Power Up will extend its hours to 1 a.m. or even 2 a.m. as it works to woo a late-night gaming audience.
Proof Gastropub restaurant
Power Up’s move does not affect the original Proof Gastropub in Kennewick. Miller said it is thriving and still has two years left on its lease.
Miller opened Proof Gastropub in 2018 and added the arcade bar in a neighboring building after its original tenant — Frankenburger’s Fry Lab closed in 2017.
Miller and investor partner Gary Grant were inspired to open the arcade bar after encountering similar businesses in their travels. It was renamed Power Up after Eugene, Ore., business with the regional rights to “Level Up” objected to their original name choice.
Power Up’s former spot at 1022 N. Columbia Center Blvd. is now vacant and is being actively marketed as a potential bar by Stricker Commercial Real Estate.
Asking rent for the 2,900-square-foot space is $29 per square foot per year, with the future tenants responsible for utilities and other property expenses.
This story was originally published April 15, 2025 at 10:30 AM.