One Man’s Hobby Turned Into A Thriving Business: The Pinball Palace Sets The Standard For Family Fun And Flipper Excellence
One Man’s Hobby Turned Into A Thriving Business: The Pinball Palace Sets The Standard For Family Fun And Flipper Excellence
By
May 27, 2025
The Pinball Palace, based in Brunswick, Georgia, has become one of the most recognized pinball arcades in the United States. Originally a personal project sparked by nostalgia, the business now operates as a thriving family-run entertainment center boasting one of the nation’s most extensive collections of pinball machines. Owned and operated by Kelley Daniel, The Pinball Palace has received numerous accolades from within the pinball industry and is officially recognized by organizations such as the International Flipper Pinball Association (IFPA).
The idea for The Pinball Palace was born in a garage more than eight years ago, when Kelley began collecting and restoring pinball machines as a way to reconnect with childhood memories spent in local arcades. “It started in my garage over 8 years ago as I recalled the fun I had in the arcades growing up and how that experience has disappeared for future generations,” Kelley explained. As the collection grew and overtook his residence, Kelley made the decision to relocate the machines into a dedicated space. The result was the public opening of The Pinball Palace in 2017.
The arcade has since become a destination not only for pinball enthusiasts but also for families looking for a unique, interactive entertainment option. The Pinball Palace offers both contemporary machines—manufacturers continue to release over five new models each year—and rare vintage models dating back as far as 1955. The machines are carefully maintained, with a focus on functionality and presentation, differentiating The Pinball Palace from competitors that may shy away from the upkeep pinball requires.
In addition to its extensive pinball lineup, The Pinball Palace also features arcade games and bounce houses, reinforcing its role as a family-friendly venue. The business has earned a dedicated local and regional following, in part due to its consistent hosting of monthly tournaments sanctioned by the IFPA. Kelley’s son, Nick, who helps run the arcade alongside Kelley and his wife Karen, is himself a competitive pinball player ranked 13th in the state of Georgia. The arcade’s competitive edge is balanced by its accessible pricing structure—visitors pay by the hour or by the day rather than relying on tokens or individual machine payments.
Customer satisfaction and community support are central to the arcade’s ethos. The Pinball Palace has garnered a strong reputation for both quality and service, evidenced by a high volume of positive reviews. Kelley emphasizes the importance of maintaining high standards and ensuring that every machine on the floor is functional and enjoyable to play. “We are a family-friendly arcade promoting the pinball hobby. We keep our machines in great working order,” he stated.
Unlike many modern arcades that prioritize digital or redemption-based gaming, The Pinball Palace has made a deliberate decision to preserve and promote the pinball experience. This choice reflects both Kelley’s personal passion and a broader mission to introduce future generations to the tactile thrill and mechanical ingenuity of pinball. “Most arcades don’t want them because of the maintenance, but I enjoy working on them,” Kelley noted.
The operational team is composed entirely of family members, contributing to the business’s distinctive character and close-knit atmosphere. This structure enables The Pinball Palace to maintain consistent quality control while also fostering a warm and welcoming environment for guests. Their hands-on approach ensures that every aspect of the customer experience—from machine reliability to customer service—is given personal attention.
As pinball continues to experience a cultural resurgence, venues like The Pinball Palace are increasingly important in keeping the tradition alive. Through dedicated curation, technical maintenance, and community involvement, the arcade has positioned itself as both a local landmark and a national point of interest within the hobbyist community.
The Pinball Palace's success underscores a broader trend in which personal passions evolve into sustainable businesses, driven by authenticity, specialization, and community focus. Kelley’s journey from home hobbyist to owner of one of the country’s largest pinball arcades is a case study in entrepreneurial dedication fueled by love for a craft.
Those interested in learning more about The Pinball Palace or planning a visit can explore their digital presence for up-to-date information and event listings:
