Game Over for NoHo Barcade

Plans for NoHo Barcade have been scrapped due to the owner's lack of tokens.

Satit Pongsai said he pulled the plug on the venue, which would have combined craft beer and classic arcade machines in the NoHo Arts District, because things got too costly.

Things like rent for the 5249 Lankershim Blvd. spot and complying with design change requests from the city added up, he said.

"We had a cap," Pongsai said. "We were way exceeding that and it wasn't working out."

Phone calls from the city's planning department to discuss NoHo Barcade were not returned at press time.

Pongsai said he decided to abandon the project around last Christmas.

Also, the infringement lawsuit filed by the original New York-based Barcade over the business's name was dropped after both parties reached an agreement.

Pongsai continues to operate his family's business, Japanese Auto Tech Services, located in North Hollywood.

He said he'd still like to open an arcade for adults one day.

"We still have all the equipment and everything," Pongsai said.